In the opening bout of the UFC 149 main card, Matt Riddle used his solid submission grappling game to submit Chris Clements in the third round of their welterweight affair. Clements was able to tag Riddle a few times over the course of the first two rounds on the feet, but had no answer for Riddle's takedowns and back control later in the fight. What was even more interesting was that the submission that ended the fight was actually locked up while the fighters were still standing.
As Clements came in for a spinning backfist against the cage, Riddle ducked and caught Clements in a nice standing arm-triangle. He cinched it up very quickly, tripped Clements to the mat, and got the tap. It was the first submission win of Riddle's career and his second straight win overall. He also picked up a $65,000 bonus for submission of the night.
What was the high spot of this fight?
The standing arm triangle that led to the finish was definitely the coolest thing that happened.
Where do these guys go from here?
Riddle called out Dan Hardy in a humorous post-fight press conference rant about Brits, but Hardy's already scheduled to face off with Amir Sadollah at UFC on Fuel 5. A bout with fellow UFC 149 winner James Head would be a solid matchup for Riddle at this point.
Clements dropped to 1-1 in the organization, and will likely be matched up with another powerful standup fighter next. Duane Ludwig might be a good opponent.
Watch it now, later, or never?
Later. It was entertaining but a bit sloppy at times. The quick knockouts from the prelims should be first on your list. This is probably the only main card fight worth going out of your way for though.
More Bloody Elbow coverage of UFC 149 in the full entry.
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UFC 149 Judo Chop: Barao vs Faber Full Fight Analysis
UFC 149 Results: Dana White 'Embarrassed' With Way Show Played Out
UFC 149 Results: Winners And Losers
UFC 149 Results: Cheick Kongo Bores Fans But Wins Decision Over Shawn Jordan
UFC 149 Results: James Head Wins Split Decision Over Brian Ebersole
UFC 149 Results: Matt Riddle Submits Chris Clements Late
UFC 149 Results: Nick Ring Fades Late, Holds On For Decision Win Over Court McGee
UFC 149 Results: Francisco Rivera Knocks Out Roland Delorme
UFC 149 Results: Ryan Jimmo Knocks Out Anthony Perosh In Seven Seconds
UFC 149 Results: Bryan Caraway Chokes Out Mitch Gagnon In Round Three
UFC 149 Results: Antonio Carvalho Knocks Out Daniel Pineda Early
UFC 149 Results: Anton Kuivanen Takes Split Decision Over Mitch Clarke