Gaethje takes down Chandler on scorecards in epic battle at UFC 268

The UFC returns to Madison Square Garden with a loaded fight card tonight as UFC 268: Usman vs Covington 2 takes over New York City. The welterweight championship is on the line as Usman defends against the challenger Colby Covington. Usman stopped Covington in the 5th round of their first fight at UFC 245 in December of 2019. If this battle is close to as good as their first one, the fans are in for a treat. In the co-main event, we also have another rematch with “Thug” Rose Namajunas vs Weili Zhang. Namajunas knocked out Zhang with a highlight reel head-kick to win the belt back in April.

The rest of the card is also packed with intriguing matchups like Michael Chandler vs Justin Gaethje. Both lightweights are coming off of losses. Gaethje’s last appearance was against Khabib Nurmogamedov and Chandler came out on the losing end vs Charles Oliveira. Both guys remain near the top of the rankings and are looking to get back in the thick of things in the title search at 155 lbs.

This is a recap of their fight as well as round by round scoring from MyMMANews..

Round 1

The crowd is electric as both of these guys stand in the center of the cage looking for openings. Both guys exchange calf kicks and they are throwing combinations with mean intentions. This fight is off to a great start. Chandler is landing his job but Gaethje is countering with some vicious cafe kicks again. Big 1-2 from Chandler and the right hand definitely rocked Gaethje who comes back with a big left of his own. This is crazy. Big uppercut from Gaethje. Chandler clinches and looks for dirty boxing. Separated again and trading. Phenomenal mixed martial arts

MyMMANews scores round 1

Round 2

Both guys standing toe toe in the center of the octagon and inflicting damage on one another. Gaethje scores and looks fresh as he rocks Chandler with an uppercut who goes down. Chandler trying to hold on to a leg and recover And they are back to their feet as Chandler is a bloody mess. Great takedown defense from Gaethje. Big right hook from Justin as he is in control this round.

MyMMANews scores round 2 10-9 Gaethje

Round 3

Gaethje continues to punish the front leg of Chandler. Chandler continues to look for the big bomb. What a tremendous fight. Both of these guys are absolute warriors in the middle of the cage beating each other up. An epic battle thus far. Gaethje front flips out of a double leg attempt and is now trying to take the back of Chandler, who was once again separates And this fight is in the center of the cage again with 2 minutes left.. Both guys continue landing powerful shots. Gaethje seems to be getting the better of the exchanges.

MyMMANews scores round 3 10-9 Gaethje

Official scoring 30-27 29-28 29-28 Justin Gaethje wins via unanimous decision

'Beautiful' Bob Meloni

More than 15 years experience in the PA/NJ regional MMA circuit. Commentator/post fight interviews/pre-fight show host @ Art of War Cage Fighting and Ring of Combat The story of the fighter is what Bob loves about the sport. From the lowest level, to the highest, he only cares about the two warriors who do battle once the cage doors close. Everything else is secondary. Without their blood, sweat, and tears, he would not be here enjoying every minute.

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