Jack Hermansson pulled off one of the biggest wins of his career Saturday, when he submitted Kelvin Gastelum in the UFC on ESPN+ 30 co-main event.
Hermansson (21-5 MMA, 8-3 UFC) need just 78 seconds to lock in a tight heel hook on Gastelum (16-6 MMA, 10-6 UFC) and finish the fight, giving him his fifth victory in his past six fights.
The middleweight bout was the UFC on ESPN+ 30 co-main event at Flash Forum at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. It streamed on ESPN+.
Gastelum came out looking to apply pressure against Hermansson, who was forced onto his back foot. Hermansson waited for Gastelum to throw and clinched up to attempt a takedown, but then he got tossed to the mat. Gastelum got on top, which ultimately led to his demise.
Hermansson rolled into the heel hook and adjusted the position against an overly calm Gastelum. The tap came seconds later, giving Hermansson one of his biggest career wins.
“Every time I step in here it’s so much pressure,” Hermansson said. “Everything in my life is working toward this goal and when you get it, there’s no better feeling.”
Excited after his win, Hermansson said he’s already looking ahead to his next fight, and he wants the winner of the July 25 headliner between former champ Robert Whittaker and Darren Till.
“I should fight the winner of that fight,” Hermansson said. “I’m going to fight the winner of the fight.”
Up-to-the-minute UFC on ESPN 13 results include:
- Jack Hermansson def. Kelvin Gastelum via submission (heel hook) – Round 1, 1:18
- Rafael Fiziev def. Marc Diakiese via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
- Ariane Lipski def. Luana Carolina via submission (kneebar) – Round 1, 1:28
- Askar Askarov def. Alexandre Pantoja via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Roman Dolidze def. Khadis Ibragimov via TKO (knee, punches) – Round 1, 4:15
- Grant Dawson def. Nad Narimani via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 29-27)
- Joel Alvarez def. Joe Duffy via submission (guillotine choke) – Round 1, 2:25
- Brett Johns def. Montel Jackson via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Amir Albazi def. Malcolm Gordon via submission (triangle choke) – Round 1, 4:42
- Arman Tsarukyan def. Davi Ramos via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
- Serghei Spivac def. Carlos Felipe via majority decision (28-28, 29-27, 29-27)
