Borralho and Ricci Surge in UFC Rankings: Wang Cong’s Explosive Debut Sets KO Record.

Kathmandu, August 25, 2024 — The UFC APEX witnessed an electrifying night of fights, featuring the highly anticipated TUF 32 finale and two pivotal matchups at the top of the card. With rankings on the line, Caio Borralho and Tabatha Ricci seized the spotlight, while China’s Wang Cong made history with a record-setting debut.

MAIN EVENT: Borralho’s Breakthrough

Middleweight contender Caio Borralho delivered the performance of a lifetime against #5-ranked Jared Cannonier. In a five-round war, Borralho displayed heart and skill, turning up the heat in the final round to secure a unanimous decision victory (49-45, 49-45, 48-46). The win marked the biggest of Borralho’s career, catapulting him into the upper echelon of the division. Post-fight, Borralho reflected on his journey: “I’ve been in the UFC a long time. All of my opponents were tough, and they made me who I am today. I’m the new face, and we’re coming to take over!”

Win streak lives on 🔥@BorralhoCaio extends it to seven with the UD victory at #UFCVegas96! pic.twitter.com/kCpwPjZ6iL

— UFC (@ufc) August 25, 2024

CO-MAIN EVENT: Ricci’s Rise Continues

In the co-main event, women’s strawweight contenders Angela Hill (#9) and Tabatha Ricci (#11) delivered a high-paced, back-and-forth battle that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Ricci’s relentless pressure earned her a unanimous decision win (29-28, 29-28, 29-28), solidifying her status as a rising star in the division. After the fight, Ricci expressed her determination: “Tonight, I fight for myself, I bet on myself, because I want to make sure I’m ready for the next level.”

Moving up the record board 📈@TabathaRicci is now tied for the most strawweight wins since 2021 with six (Godinez, Lemos). pic.twitter.com/usna2W7GWq

— UFC (@ufc) August 25, 2024

WANG CONG: Record-Breaking Debut

China’s Wang Cong, the first contract winner from ROAD TO UFC Season 3, made an unforgettable UFC debut in the women’s flyweight division. Facing Victoria Leonardo, Cong wasted no time, landing a devastating knockout just 1 minute and 2 seconds into the first round. Her performance set the record for the fastest KO by a debutant in the division and the second-fastest overall. Despite the historic win, Cong voiced her displeasure with her placement on the card: “I’m not happy today. I need to be on the main card of UFC Macau! Next fight, Casey O’Neill, are you ready?!”

ONE AND DONE 🤯

Wang Cong gets the KO in her UFC debut just ONE MINUTE into the first round! #UFCVegas96 pic.twitter.com/kupob7Q5jj

— UFC (@ufc) August 24, 2024

AWARDS:

Fight of the Night: Caio Borralho vs. Jared Cannonier
Performance of the Night: Michael Morales
Performance of the Night: Gerald Meerschaert

OFFICIAL RESULTS:

MAIN EVENT:
Caio Borralho defeats Jared Cannonier by unanimous decision (49-45, 49-45, 48-46)

CO-MAIN EVENT:
Tabatha Ricci defeats Angela Hill by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

MAIN CARD:

Ryan Loder defeats Robert Valentin by TKO (elbows) at 1:49 of Round 2 in the TUF 32 Middleweight Finale
Mairon Santos defeats Kaan Ofli by knockout (left hook) at 1:30 of Round 2 in the TUF 32 Featherweight Finale
Michael Morales defeats Neil Magny by TKO (strikes) at 4:39 of Round 1
Gerald Meerschaert defeats Edmen Shahbazyan by submission (arm-triangle choke) at 4:12 of Round 2

PRELIMS:

Francis Marshall defeats Dennis Buzukja by split decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Zachary Reese defeats Jose Daniel Medina by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Viacheslav Borshchev defeats James Llontop by split decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Jacqueline Cavalcanti defeats Josiane Nunes by split decision (30-27, 29-28)
Wang Cong defeats Victoria Leonardo by knockout (right hand) at 1:02 of Round 1

The UFC continues to deliver unforgettable moments, with fighters like Borralho, Ricci, and Cong leading the charge into a new era of competition.

Source: UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship)

About UFC: The UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) is the premier mixed martial arts (MMA) organization globally, known for hosting top-tier fights across various weight classes. Founded in 1993, the UFC features elite fighters from around the world, combining disciplines like boxing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, wrestling, and Muay Thai. It has grown into a major sports brand, with events broadcasted worldwide, attracting millions of fans and producing some of the most iconic moments in combat sports history.

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