Frankie Edgar cemented himself as next in line for a Featherweight title shot with a first round knockout of Chad Mendes at TUF 22 – The Ultimate Fighter Season 22 Finale.
The TUF 22 Finale took place December 11 at The Cosmopolitan and Edgar would make easy work over former three time title contender Mendes.
A clean left hook was enough for Edgar, who put an exclamation mark on his claim for a Featherweight title shot against the winner of Jose Aldo vs. Conor McGregor at UFC 194 on Saturday night.
Second chance Ryan Hall put on a grappling clinic against Artem Lobov to win TUF 22. Hall got the call up after Saul Rogers was cut from the UFC from lying on his VISA application.
It was a three round, dominant display from American Hall who dashed Lobov’s fairytale ending.
Lobov was originally eliminated in the opening round, but was brought back by team coach McGregor and went on to score three knockouts.
In the fight of the night, Tony Ferguson beat Edson Barboza with a second round D’Arce choke. Ferguson showcased his slick grappling early on, which nearly cost him, after being deducted a point for an illegal kick to a downed opponent.
However, this wouldn’t matter as ‘El Cucuy’ would submit a bloodied Barboza in the second, extending his win streak to seven.
TUF Finale 22 Main Card
Featherweight: Frankie Edgar def. Chad Mendes KO (punch) Round 1 2:28
Lightweight: Ryan Hall def. Artem Lobov Decision (unanimous) (30-27, 30-26, 30-26)
Lightweight: Tony Ferguson def. Edson Barboza Submission (D’Arce choke) Round 2 2:54
Lightweight: Evan Dunham def. Joe Lauzon Decision (unanimous) (30-26, 30-27, 30-26)
Featherweight: Tatsuya Kawajiri def. Jason Knight Decision (unanimous) (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Lightweight: Julian Erosa def. Marcin Wrzosek Decision (split) (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
TUF Finale 22 Preliminary Card
Heavyweight: Gabriel Gonzaga def. Konstantin Erokhin Desision (unanimous) (30-27, 30-27, 30-28)
Welterweight: Ryan LaFlare def. Mike Pierce Decision (unanimous) (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Flyweight: Geane Herrera def. Joby Sanchez TKO (punches) Round 2 4:28
Lightweight: Chris Gruetzemacher def. Abner Lloveras Decision (unanimous) (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
