Clayton Carpenter turned in a memorable Octagon debut earlier tonight (Sat., Feb. 18, 2023) at UFC Vegas 69 live on ESPN+ from inside UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada, when the undefeated flyweight stopped Juancamilo Ronderos via first-round submission (rear-naked choke).
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BLOCKBUSTER BANTAMWEIGHT CONTENDERS’ BOUT! Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) departs APEX for a special “Fight Night” extravaganza at AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas, on Sat., March 25, 2023, featuring a pair of thrilling 135-pound bouts. Surging No. 4-ranked contender Marlon Vera goes for his fifth consecutive win when he takes on exciting finisher and No. 5-seeded Cory Sandhagen. In UFC San Antonio’s ESPN+-streamed co-main event, former women’s 135-pound champion and current No. 3-ranked Holly Holm battles Yana Santos (No. 4).
Ronderos was the betting underdog in this fight, but the Columbian fighter was hanging around early. He scored a nice body kick before securing a takedown along the cage. Ronderos was in control before Carpenter threatened with a triangle off his back. Carpenter then switched to an armbar before gaining top control and eventually working into mount. Ronderos had to turn over and gave up his back, which led to Carpenter’s submission finish.
Check out the final moments above courtesy of UFC/ESPN.
Carpenter, 26, is now 7-0 in his young mixed martial arts (MMA) career with three submission and two knockouts. Having already fought under the bright lights of the Contender Series last August Carpenter looked ready for his official UFC debut. He’s a nice addition to a talent-rich flyweight division and a prospect who could hit the top 15 by the end of the year.
For complete UFC Vegas 69 results and coverage click here.
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