Fighters from around the globe dream of the day they’ll step into the UFC octagon for the first time. For two athletes, Saturday’s UFC 245 event marked that special moment in their career.
Check out this week’s rookie report to see what kind of first impression those fighters made on the sport’s biggest stage from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
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Punahele Soriano
Division: Middleweight
Result: Punahele Soriano def. Oskar Piechota via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 3:17
Record: (7-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC)
Grade: A
Punahele Soriano was heavily hyped before his appearance on “Dana White’s Contender Series,” and his official UFC debut proved why. The Hawaiian’s heavy hands were on full display, wobbling and dropping Oskar Piechota in the early going and nearly finishing the contest with the first real flurry. If there was any criticism to make of Soriano, it was with what came next: He followed to the canvas, initially looking to strike before trying to finish the fight with his grappling. Against some opponents, that will be fine, but the choice gave Piechota his only real chance to turn the tide, and he nearly did, first attacking the arm before briefly looking for the guillotine.
Ultimately, Soriano pulled free, and his corner implored for him to breathe, with the quick pace clearly taking a toll early on. It didn’t matter much, though, as Soriano resumed his striking attack shortly after and landed a perfect left to the chin that sent Piechota crashing to the canvas.
Soriano later admitted to dealing with the dreaded octagon jitters, which helps explain the adrenaline dump and the early signs of fatigue. A little more seasoning, and Soriano will certainly find himself telling future opponents to stand back and face his fists when they refuse to go away on the floor. Undefeated and just entering his athletic prime, Soriano is certainly one to watch moving forward.
Chase Hooper
Division: Featherweight
Result: Chase Hooper def. Daniel Teymur via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, 4:34
Record: (9-0-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC)
Grade: A
At 20 years old, Chase Hooper is no longer “The Teenage Dream,” but he’s still an incredibly entertaining prospect. The combination of his grappling prowess and his durability makes him fun to watch, and his relentless grappling attacks are a real challenge for anyone to handle.
A “Dana White’s Contender Series” find, Hooper went through three fights on a developmental deal before making it to the UFC, but he proved he was ready for the challenge, scoring a first-round TKO over a dangerous Daniel Teymur. Hooper showed great creativity in his submission attacks but then ultimately went to a mounted triangle and used vicious strikes to finish off the job.
There is one concern: Hooper seems to get hit nearly every time he steps in the cage. Right now, his chin has no issue handling the barrages. However, that is certainly not the right approach if he’s hoping for longevity in a career starting at such a young age. Hooper’s submission skills and his “dorky kid next door” look are going to make him a marketable asset, but he has to shore up the striking – or at least his striking defense – if he hopes to make it to an elite level. Still, you’re going to want to follow along for the ride.
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