Nate Diaz dominated Tony Ferguson in a very entertaining fight in the main event of UFC 279 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday. Diaz's striking was on point throughout the fight, and while Ferguson found success with leg kicks throughout, it wasn't enough to stop Diaz, who ultimately submitted Ferguson in the fourth.
In the co-main event, Khamzat Chimaev demolished Kevin Holland for a first-round submission victory to stay unbeaten. Chimaev, again, didn't absorb any significant strikes and made quick work of Holland who had a big reach advantage.
Earlier on the main card, Irene Aldana finished Macy Chiasson in Round 3 with an impressive and rarely seen up-kick to the liver, and on the prelims, heavyweights Jake Collier and Chris Barnett delivered a vintage performance, with Barnett recovering from an early Collier attack to win by second-round stoppage. Barnett then pulled off a frontflip to remember, sparking plenty of commentary across social media.
Here's what fellow fighters and and other sport superstars had to say:
"Ah come on bro I'm absolutely stinking. And with so much quality. This has never been seen before what I'm doing man. Please, Your nothing with out me. Respect, please. I'd slap you around handy. And Tony easy. I'd have sawed Tony in half. 2 ham ball heads. Respect the king." Conor McGregor, via Twitter
Nooo we need the Diaz brothers forever ! #UFC279
— Chris Weidman (@chrisweidman) September 11, 2022
What a way to go out if this is really it. Nate Diaz is a legend of the fight game! 👏 #UFC279
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) September 11, 2022
WHAT AN ENDING FOR NATE!!
— Megan Anderson (@MeganAnderson) September 11, 2022
After 15 years in the UFC you couldn't have asked for a more fitting ending 🥺#ufc279 #DiazArmy
Wow 🤩
— GILBERT BURNS DURINHO (@GilbertDurinho) September 11, 2022
This is exactly the entertainment I pay to see! #ufc279
— Julian marquez (@JMarquezMMA) September 11, 2022
All respect! #Legends #UFC279 Ossss pic.twitter.com/ZDB6d1K63i
— Charles 'DoBronxs' Oliveira (@CharlesDoBronxs) September 11, 2022
Chimaev did quick work of Holland in the fight that was announced on Friday night. He took Holland down with ease and chased a submission from there.
A lot of unnecessary drama this week, but Khamzat Chimaev is BAD MAN! Such a special talent #UFC279
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) September 11, 2022
I really didn't think it was gonna be that easy for Chimaev. Terrible look for Holland.
— Funky (@Benaskren) September 11, 2022
Chimaev does not deserve a title fight if they try to push that narrative 😒 #ufc279
— Megan Anderson (@MeganAnderson) September 11, 2022
I always say wrestling wins fights but damn I wanted to see khamzat so more than wrestle but why does he need to?
— Terrance 'T Wrecks' McKinney (@twrecks155) September 11, 2022
Crazy, @KChimaev is a legend.
— Platinum Mike Perry (@PlatinumPerry) September 11, 2022
Aldana (14-6, 6-4 UFC) was likely down on the cards when she kicked Chiasson (9-3, 7-2 UFC) right in the liver, forcing the official to wave off the fight.
Heel kick to the liver! Viva la Mexico! @IreneAldana_ 🇲🇽 #UFC279
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) September 11, 2022
Crazy ending to a very competitive and fun fight...well done ladies 👏 #ufc279
— Alex Volkanovski (@alexvolkanovski) September 11, 2022
I've never seen that in the history of the sport ! #ufc279
— Chris Weidman (@chrisweidman) September 11, 2022
Up kick Liver kick 😳😳😳 has that ever happened before
— Funky (@Benaskren) September 11, 2022
Lets goooo Irene Aldana!!! What a freaking fight 👏🏻 #ufc279
— Megan Anderson (@MeganAnderson) September 11, 2022
Chris Barnett is ecstatic after his comeback win vs. Jake Collier at UFC 279.
Fan favorite Chris Barnett not only got the victory, but his celebration post-fight was as impressive, prompting fellow fighters to react, with former bantamweight champion Henry Cejudo posting on Twitter: "A star is born."
Lets goooo Irene Aldana!!! What a freaking fight 👏🏻 #ufc279
— Megan Anderson (@MeganAnderson) September 11, 2022
😊 LFG CHRIS!!!! 🔥🔥🔥
— Israel Adesanya (@stylebender) September 11, 2022
A star is born @Beastboy61 👏🏽 #UFC279
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) September 11, 2022
No matter what you say, Chris Barnett is a warrior and a fun entertainer 🤣.
— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) September 11, 2022
Congrats man 👏🏾 #UFC279
Barnett living his best life 😂 #UFC279
— Tatiana Suarez (@tatianaufc) September 11, 2022
This was most fun I've had in long time. Wow Chris Barnett did it! #UFC279
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) September 11, 2022
Chris Barnett is a vibe 🔥🔥🔥 #UFC279
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) September 11, 2022
Bruuuh! What a come back!! #UFC279
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) September 11, 2022
How can you not love Barnett #UFC279
— Gerald Meerschaert (@The_Real_GM3) September 11, 2022
Yo this is insane 🤯 that is hands down the come back of the year!!!#UFC279
— Jamahal Hill (@JamahalH) September 11, 2022