Yadier Del Valle
The Cuban Problem
Cuba
Flawless effort in UFC debut
Del Valle defeated Connor Matthews via submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:54 of Round 1 at UFC Fight Night on Saturday in Las Vegas.
ANALYSIS
Del Valle earned his UFC contract in October despite going the distance on Dana White's Contender Series. He made his official company debut here, was given a layup, and took full advantage. Ballooning to upwards of a -600 favorite by the time the fight kicked off, Del Valle stood around for a bit before landing an easy takedown and quickly submitting the totally overmatched Matthews. The truth of the matter is that this performance, while impressive, tells us nothing about what to expect from YDV moving forward. We should get some more answers his next time out.
Del Valle earned his UFC contract in October despite going the distance on Dana White's Contender Series. He made his official company debut here, was given a layup, and took full advantage. Ballooning to upwards of a -600 favorite by the time the fight kicked off, Del Valle stood around for a bit before landing an easy takedown and quickly submitting the totally overmatched Matthews. The truth of the matter is that this performance, while impressive, tells us nothing about what to expect from YDV moving forward. We should get some more answers his next time out.
Fight Log
Loading Fight Log...
More Fantasy News
Official debut set
Del Valle will make his official UFC debut against Connor Matthews in a featherweight matchup at UFC Vegas 106 on May 17, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
Del Valle earned his UFC contract with a dominant decision on Dana White's Contender Series that improved his professional record to 8-0, and he's now set for his promotion debut against a fellow DWCS product in Matthews. Matthews has gone 0-2 in official UFC fights and will likely be fighting for his job, while Del Valle -- a 28-year-old Cuban prospect with a jiu-jitsu background -- will look to get off to a strong start.
Del Valle earned his UFC contract with a dominant decision on Dana White's Contender Series that improved his professional record to 8-0, and he's now set for his promotion debut against a fellow DWCS product in Matthews. Matthews has gone 0-2 in official UFC fights and will likely be fighting for his job, while Del Valle -- a 28-year-old Cuban prospect with a jiu-jitsu background -- will look to get off to a strong start.
Gets contract despite decision
Del Valle defeated Antonio Monteiro via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26) at Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series. After the show, he was one of four fighters to be awarded an official UFC contract.
ANALYSIS
While del Valle didn't get the finish, he dominated the striking totals in all three rounds as a (+100) betting underdog, recording what many thought was a 10-8 round in the second frame. Every time it appeared his cardio was drained, the Cuban prospect seemed to find a new gear and continue swinging. This type of brawling may be necessary when a UFC contract is on the line, but the 28-year-old Gracie Barra product will have to lean on his jiu-jitsu/wrestling background a bit more when tasked with facing UFC-caliber strikers.
While del Valle didn't get the finish, he dominated the striking totals in all three rounds as a (+100) betting underdog, recording what many thought was a 10-8 round in the second frame. Every time it appeared his cardio was drained, the Cuban prospect seemed to find a new gear and continue swinging. This type of brawling may be necessary when a UFC contract is on the line, but the 28-year-old Gracie Barra product will have to lean on his jiu-jitsu/wrestling background a bit more when tasked with facing UFC-caliber strikers.