UFC on ESPN 21 rookie report: Grading the newcomers in Las Vegas – MMA Junkie

Division: FlyweightResult: Bruno Silva def. JP Buys via TKO (punch) Round 2, 2:56Record: (9-3 MMA, 0-1 UFC)Grade: D

JP Buys first taste of the UFC octagon ended with a swift kick to the groin, then a poke in the eye as he found himself on the receiving end of two first-round fouls from Silva in their flyweight bout. By the end of the fight, Buys was also feeling the pain of defeat after being stopped by the Brazilian.

Buys was on the back foot throughout his debut as Silva edged the striking exchanges and had the upper hand during the scrambles on the mat through Round 1, though Buys did briefly threaten with a Kimura while trying to fend off the relentless Brazilian. He was also dropped with a spinning backfist in the final second of the round.

Things didnt get much better for the South African debutant in Round 2, as Silva took advantage of Buys lack of lateral movement by loading up and claiming a TKO finish. Buys was more aggressive at the start of the round but slipped and ended up on the bottom with Silva landing powerful strikes from top position. Buys battled back to his feet and was enjoying his best spell of the fight, but was then dropped by a big right hand and, despite gamely fighting back and circling away from trouble, was dropped once again with another big right hand as the fight was waved off.

It wasnt the start Buys was looking for as he looked to make an impact in the UFCs flyweight division. Buys showed plenty of tenacity and a willingness to stand and trade, but ultimately had no answer to Silvas punch power as he fell to a debut defeat.

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UFC on ESPN 21 rookie report: Grading the newcomers in Las Vegas - MMA Junkie