UFC 243 rookie report: Grading the newcomers in Melbourne
Fighters from around the globe dream of the day they’ll step into the UFC octagon for the first time. For seven athletes, Saturday’s UFC 243 event marked that special moment in their career.
Check out this week’s rookie report to see what kind of first impression those fighters made on the sport’s biggest stage from Marvel Stadium in in Melbourne, Australia.
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Bruno Silva
Bruno Silva and Khalid Taha
Division: Bantamweight
Result: Khalid Taha def. Bruno Silva via submission (arm-triangle choke) – Round 3, 3:00
Record: (11-4-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
Grade: C+
Bruno Silva would prefer to compete in the flyweight division, but when the UFC calls, you take what you get, and that meant a bantamweight matchup against a very tough Khalid Taha.
The difference in power was evident at the start, with Taha’s punches causing damage from the opening bell. To his credit, Silva turned to his wrestling to claim the second round and put the result in the balance of the third. Unfortunately, his energy level noticeably dropped, and Taha was able to the take the action to the canvas, where he set up an arm-triangle choke to finish the fight.
Silva showed a willingness to engage and a strong wrestling game, not to mention some grit when it was clear he was down early, but he was simply overmatched here at 135 pounds. Perhaps the Henry Cejudo protege will get a chance to compete in his natural weight class next time out. Otherwise, it might be a tough run for him in the UFC.