The UFC once again took over the Lone Star State, this time down in Austin for UFC Fight Night with a main event with major implications.
Fort Worth’s James Vick has been calling out the top guys in the lightweight division. On Sunday, “The Texecutioner” had a chance to make a statement that he can back up his talk in the octagon.
The operation was a success. Vick, ranked No. 12 in the division, got the unanimous decision of No. 14 Francisco Trinaldo to improve his record to 9-1 in the UFC (13-1 overall in MMA). Vick has now won four straight fights.
However, it wasn’t easy. Vick dislocated his finger during the fight but was able to walk away with the win over a well-respected veteran in Trinaldo.
“I feel good,” Vick said after the fight. “Disappointed that I didn’t get a finish. He was tough. I didn’t underestimate the guy at all. He was a gritty veteran who won eight of his last nine fights and also has one of the best records in the organization. He’s just a tough dude.”
Vick aired his frustrations afterwards about not getting a top 10 fight in the division.
“Basically, the UFC is going to have to force these guys to fight me,” Vick said. “(UFC matchmaker) Sean Shelby tells me on the phone that he’s trying as hard as he can to do his job. He tells me “These guys want no part of you.’ They wanted to make the (Michael) Chiesa fight because that would make the most sense. Kevin Lee has already turned down two fights with me. I have text messages from (UFC matchmaker) Joe Silva and Shawn Shelby on both of these.”
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Vick wasn’t holding back on thoughts and feelings concerning Chiesa and Lee and explained how he has his sights set on the top of the division.
“They don’t want to mention my name. I don’t care. I’m done with these guys. They don’t want to sign the fight, I don’t care. They don’t have to fight me. I’m thinking Khabib. I’m thinking Tony Ferguson. I’m thinking McGregor. I’m thinking world title fights. I’m 9-1. I have the same record as Conor McGregor has in the UFC. To say that I’m not worthy to fight these dudes is a joke. I am worthy.”
It's likely that Vick will get the opportunity sometime down the road this year. The only question that remains is when. However, the goal remains simple for Fort Worth native.
“My destiny is to become a world champion.”
In the main event, Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone tied multiple UFC records in a Top 15 matchup with Yancy Medeiros. Cerrone is now tied for most UFC wins and most UFC knockouts after getting the TKO over Medeiros with just two seconds left in the first round. The win snapped a three-fight losing streak for Cerrone.
Compete Results from UFC Fight Night in Austin
Main Card:
(11) Donald Cerrone defeats (15) Yancy Medeiros – TKO in first round
(7) Derrick Lewis defeats (9) Marcin Tybura – TKO in third round
(12) James Vick defeats (14) Francisco Trinaldo – decision
Curtis Millender defeats Thiago Alves – TKO in second round
Brandon Davis defeats Steven Peterson – decision
Sage Northcutt defeats Thibault Gouti – decision
Prelims:
Deigo Ferreira defeats Jared Gordon – TKO in first round
Geoff Neal defeats Brian Camozzi – submission in first round
Roberto Sanchez defeats Joby Sanchez – submission in first round
Lucie Pudilova defeats Sarah Moras – decision
Fight Pass Prelims:
Alex Morono defeats Joshua Burkman – submission in first round
Oskar Piechota defeats Tim Williams – TKO in first round
Attendance: 10,502
Gate: $794,350
Fight of the Night: Peterson vs. Davis
Performances of the Night: Derrick Lewis and Curtis Millender
