The highly anticipated clash between Daniel Marcos and Adrian Yanez unfolded at UFC Tampa, delivering an action-packed showdown that had fans on the edge of their seats.
Adrian Yanez (17-5 MMA) steps back into the Octagon for the first time since his impressive first-round knockout win against Vinicius Salvador at UFC Vegas 92 in May. That triumph ended a two-fight losing streak for the 31-year-old, who had previously suffered defeats against Jonathan Martinez and Rob Font.
On the other hand, Daniel Marcos (16-0 MMA) aims to maintain his flawless record tonight in Florida. “Soncora” last competed in June, earning a unanimous decision win over John Castaneda in an impressive performance.
Round one kicks off with Adrian Yanez landing a solid low kick followed by a right hook. Daniel Marcos responds with a low kick of his own. Yanez presses forward aggressively early on, but Marcos keeps him at bay with another low kick. Yanez lands a low kick and a hook to the body, while Marcos counters with a powerful right hand over the top, stunning Yanez momentarily. Marcos blitzes forward, but Yanez circles off the fence and resets the distance.
Both fighters exchange low kicks, and then trade hooks. Marcos accidentally pokes Yanez in the eye, causing a brief stoppage. Yanez appears to be fine, though there’s some blood around his eye. The doctor checks on him, and after a short break, the action resumes. Yanez quickly returns to the attack, but Marcos lands another low kick. The fighters exchange low kicks again, with Marcos landing a nice right hook. He follows up with another low kick, and Yanez counters with a solid 1-2 combination. They trade punches in the pocket before clinching up, with Yanez pushing Marcos against the cage. Marcos switches the position, landing a couple of knees and a hook before the round ends.
Round two begins with both bantamweights picking up where they left off. Yanez lands a powerful left hook that rocks Marcos and attempts a follow-up right hand, but it misses. Marcos throws a huge right hand, but it also misses. Yanez lands a nice body shot, while Marcos counters with a stiff jab up the middle. The fighters briefly clinch, and Yanez lands a left hook on the break.
Both fighters exchange heavy strikes, with Yanez landing a calf kick and Marcos answering with a jab. Yanez lands another kick, and Marcos counters with a high kick that partially lands. Marcos connects with a right hook, but Yanez replies with two low kicks and a stiff jab. Another solid jab from Yanez lands as he continues to land clean shots. Marcos swings and misses with a right, and Yanez lands another jab as the round ends.
The third and final round kicks off with both bantamweights throwing heavy punches right from the start. Daniel Marcos ducks under a strike and secures the first takedown of the fight. Adrian Yanez quickly scrambles back to his feet, reversing the position to push Marcos against the cage. Marcos escapes and shoots in for another successful takedown. Yanez attempts a guillotine, but it doesn’t work from half guard. Marcos lands some solid strikes while maintaining control. Yanez scrambles back up and pushes Marcos against the cage again, landing a knee as the clock ticks down.
With one minute left in the fight, Marcos breaks free from the clinch and lands a jab, followed by a 1-2 combination. Yanez responds by doubling up on his jab and forcing a clinch, a somewhat odd choice. Marcos escapes once again, and Yanez lands a solid hook just before the horn sounds. The fight then heads to the judges for a decision.
Official UFC Tampa Results: Daniel Marcos defeats Adrian Yanez by split decision (28-29, 30-27, 29-28).
After his victory over Yanez in Florida, who do you think Daniel Marcos should face next in the bantamweight division?
