Former lightweight standout Yancy Medeiros made a successful move to the 170-pound weight class in the UFC 203 opener at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland on Saturday night, submitting Sean Spencer in the second round.
As expected, both combatants were busy as the fight began, and they kept the pace high throughout the opening round. Spencer was the more accurate of the two, especially with his right hand. Medeiros was sharp with his kicks, keeping the exchanges interesting.
The Hawaiian’s kick game paid off early in the second frame, as he knocked Spencer to the deck with a blistering left kick to the head. Medeiros was now in his world, and moments after the knockdown, he locked in the rear naked choke that produced a tap out at 49 seconds.
More from UFC 203: Results | Miocic defends crown at home | Werdum wins chaotic co-main | Punk falters in UFC debut | Correia gets back to winning ways in prelims | Medeiros kicks off the night with a win | Backstage interviews: Stipe Miocic, Fabricio Werdum, Mickey Gall, Urijah Faber, Jessica Andrade | Octagon interviews: Stipe Miocic and Alistair Overeem, Fabricio Werdum, Mickey Gall and CM Punk, Yancy Medeiros | Postfight press conference highlights | Replay: Watch Medeiros vs Spencer on UFC FIGHT PASS | Best pics from fight night
With the win, Medeiros moves to 13-4 with 1 NC; Dallas’ Spencer falls to 12-6.
WOW! That kick from @YMedeiros was INSANE!!!! #UFC203 https://t.co/H7agXGN4La
— #UFC203 (@ufc) September 10, 2016
