Leg kicks, takedown defense, spinning back fists, cardio for days … this flyweight bout has it all! #UFCFortaleza pic.twitter.com/TI923bU3EA
— UFC (@ufc) March 12, 2017
Ray Borg knew he could make his way into the top five if he knocked off third-ranked featherweight Jussier Formiga at “UFC Fight Night 106”, so he pushed the pace from the get-go.
Borg tried to catch Formiga off guard by engaging in the clinch and firing off stiff shots, but Formiga was more than happy to meet him in the middle and match that pace. An accidental low blow from Formiga forced a brief halt in action which led to a lull once the fight resumed. Borg capitalized on the slower-paced fight by firing off a quick uppercut with short distance, cracking Formiga once again. The rest of the opening round saw both men in the clinch, jockeying for positioning until the round wrapped up.
In between rounds, Borg was told he’d need to take the fight to the mats if he wanted to pick up some momentum so the better part of the second round saw him battling to bring it there. Formiga’s defense was on point but it did lead to a slower paced, less active fight. Once the referee separated them along the octagon fencing, Formiga started to attack the lead leg of Borg and even sent him stumbling backwards with one.
Formiga was able to take Borg down to the mat and Borg was able to brilliantly spin out of danger and ultimately end up back on his feet, pressing Formiga up against the fence for a takedown. Instead, Formiga turned the tables and took Borg down before taking his back, teasing a rear naked choke.
Borg was able to spin out of danger and picked up top control in Formiga’s guard, eventually taking the back of the Brazilian. The round ended with Formiga on his back and Borg working for a submission on top; It was too little, too late.
Ray Borg def. Jussier Formiga by way of Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Furious finish to round 1 between @JussierFormiga & @TazMexUFC #UFCFortaleza pic.twitter.com/xmTMskWnM1
— UFC (@ufc) March 12, 2017