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UFC Sacramento Results: Colby Covington Dominant in Win
Colby Covington showcased his improving boxing skills, while utilizing his undeniable wrestling abilities, in his unanimous-decision win over Bryan Barberena at UFC Sacramento.
While Sage Northcutt and Mickey Gall are the co-main event of UFC Sacramento, the bout between Bryan Barberena and Colby Covington is another important welterweight match-up rounding out 2016. Both fighters came into Octagon with 2-0 records this year, and a three-win year for either would set them up for a successful start to 2017.
Covington, the biggest favorite on the card coming into UFC Sacramento, defeated short notice opponent Jonathan Meunier in June and Max Griffin in August, rebounding well from his loss to Warlley Alves in December of 2015. That loss was the first of the former NCAA Division I wrestling All-American’s professional MMA career.
In a similar situation this year, Barberena made headlines early in 2016, submitting Northcutt in January with an arm-triangle in the second round. Coming off of his second career loss in 2015, Barberena showed the upset-victory over Northcutt wasn’t a one-time thing. He followed the big win with a unanimous-decision win over Alves in May.
In Sacramento on Saturday, Barberena’s run of upsets came to an end, as Covington impressed in all facets of his performance. The American Top Team prospect’s improved striking, and typically spectacular wrestling, powered him to a third victory of 2016.
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Covington began the fight the way many of us thought he would, taking Barberena down and controlling the underdog in the clinch along the fence. Barberena handled the pressure well, getting up with minimal damage each time. Covington showed signs of improved striking as well, but it was his relentless wrestling that won him the round.
The second round continued similarly to its predecessor, with Covington shooting for takedowns on a regular basis, and succeeding. Preferring to box his way into position, Covington’s hands began to get more accurate, and more powerful, as the second round progressed. Barberena showed he had plenty of energy throughout the bout, but was unable to apply any consistent pressure, or damage Covigton.
Barberena knew he was down two rounds going into the final five minutes of the fight. He showed urgency, and a willingness to go for the win, but Covington’s wrestling skills and control in the clinch were too much for Bam Bam to overcome. Covington ended the match with 11 takedowns, and landed more significant strikes throughout the bout.
Covington took the contest in a unanimous decision (30-27×3), and will look to continue his run of three-straight wins as he moves into 2017. For Barberena, it’s a sour ending to an overall solid year at 170-pounds. Both fighters will be on our watchlist in a deep division full of interesting match-ups and talented prospects.
