Sam Patterson’s UFC debut didn’t go as he planned, but his second opportunity was more in line with his blueprint.
On the prelims of UFC 297, Patterson (11-2-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC) made quick work of fellow welterweight Yohan Lainesse (9-3 MMA, 1-3 UFC) with a rear-naked choke submission at 2:03 of Round 1.
First submission win for Sam Patterson in the UFC 🔒#UFC297 is LIVE NOW on @ESPNPlus 📺 pic.twitter.com/xFsDjrW5Do
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) January 21, 2024
In what was his divisional debut, Patterson was patient on the feet. He grabbed hold of a front headlock on Lainesse before dragging it to the canvas. On the mat, Patterson worked to the back and eventually sunk in a rear-naked choke. Lainesse strained and strained – and eventually tapped.
Patterson, 27, was a standout prospect who earned his UFC shot through “Dana White’s Contender Series.” However, his UFC debut (which was at lightweight) ended with a brutal knockout defeat at the hands of Yanal Ashmouz.
According to the broadcast, Lainesse fought out his contract at UFC 297. He went 1-3 during that time, with three stoppage losses.
Up-to-the-minute UFC 297 results include:
- Sam Patterson def. Yohan Lainesse via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 2:03
- Jasmine Jasudavicius def. Priscila Cachoeira via submission (anaconda choke) – Round 3, 4:21
- Jimmy Flick def. Malcolm Gordon via submission (arm-triangle choke) – Round 2, 1:17
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 297.
