UFC 221 results: Matthews earns decision over foul-heavy Jingliang, Pedro submits Safarov

The UFC 221 PPV main card saw a gritty welterweight battle, complete with blood, knockdowns, and even some horrendous eye gouging. When it was all said and done and off the strength of two knockdowns, it was Jake Matthews who earned the unanimous nod over Li Jingliang. What a sound performance at welterweight for the former lightweight. It was show time for light heavyweight Tyson Pedro as he earned a highlight-reel submission win over Saparbek Safarov, with a scintillating first round kimura to kick off the PPV main card. Stay tuned to Bloody Elbow for all of your UFC 221 event coverage including results, highlights, and analysis.

PPV Main Card:

Jake Matthews def. Li Jingliang by Unanimous Decision (30-26 x2, 29-28): Welterweights

Matthews came out landing some heavy leather on Jingliang to open up the welterweight tilt, but “The Leech” wore it all rather well. A massive left hand connected for Matthews, as he dropped Jingliang before taking his back. The referee warned Jingliang about grabbing the gloves while he defended, but nonetheless, “The Leech” made it out of the opening round.

Matthews jumps on a Guillotine early in the 2nd round, but Jingliang escapes by what looks like digging his fingers into the eyes of his opponent. Once back on his feet, Jingliang landed a flurry as he began to open up a bit, but Matthews was right there countering with heavy hooks. Jingliang kept up his forward pressure along with his volume punching, backing up Matthews for the 2nd half of the round.

A superb right hand dropped “The Leech” yet again, but Jingliang recovered yet again and returned to his feet. Matthews caught Jingliang with a flying knee but ate a left hook for his troubles. In a smart strategic maneuver, Matthews came up with a big takedown in the closing moments of the fight just to leave a lasting impression on the judges.

Look at this heavy left hook from Matthews:

Tyson Pedro def. Saparbek Safarov by Submission (kimura) at 3:54 of round 1: Light Heavyweights

Pedro initiated contact with a heavy leg kick, but Safarov used the opportunity to snag a brief takedown. Once back in open space, Pedro connected with a big right hand that got the attention of his foe, and also was able to fend off a couple of takedown attempts from Safarov. Just when it looked as if Safarov was close to getting a takedown, Pedro dropped down for a kimura, steps over the head, and wouldn’t you know it, he gets the tap! Excellent submission win for Pedro!

Peep Pedro’s pretty submission over Sambo specialist Safarov: