Ramiz Brahimaj and Austin Vanderford, UFC 320 ceremonial weigh-in Credit: Gabriel Gonzalez/Cageside Press
Austin Vanderford, husband of former UFC star Paige VanZant and a former Bellator MMA title challenger, returned to action at UFC 320, where he faced off against Raminz Brahimaj.
After getting snubbed on an early Contender Series appearance, Vanderford was getting his UFC career up-and-running rather late, but had won his short-notice debut against Nikolay Veretennikov back in February.
Both fighters started out cautiously in the first round, with Vanderford circling away from his opponent. A good jab landed by Vanderford but was answered with a swift low leg kick by Brahimaj. Two minutes into the round Vanderford threw a lightning fast head kick that startled his opponent. Moments later Vanderford landed an impressive takedown forcing Brahimaj to the floor. While in full guard Vandeford isolated an arm then landed a damaging elbow on his opponent. Through the first five minutes it was all Austin Vanderford, who showcased his skills standing and on the ground in round one.
In the second, Brahimaj started with a different sense of urgency landing a beautiful lead leg head kick that stumbled Vanderford forcing him to shoot for a desperation takedown. Vanderford was able to battle through the early adversity in the round and dragged Brahimaj back to the floor. With a massive cut over his head Vanderford found himself inside a guillotine choke that was locked in tight. Brahimaj squeezed and forced the betting favorite Vanderford to tap in round number two.
Ramiz Brahimaj earned his 12th professional win by submission and improved his winning streak to three at UFC 320.
Official Result: Ramiz Brahimaj def. Austin Vanderford by submission (guillotine choke), Round 2, 2:24
