Featherweight prospect TJ Laramie was heavily favored against veteran Darrick Minner at UFC on ESPN+ 36 on Saturday, but it didn’t play out as the odd suggested.
Minner (25-11 MMA, 1-1 UFC) put the slick guillotine choke that’s got him so many previous victories to use when he put Laramie (12-4 MMA, 0-1 UFC) away just 52 seconds into their featherweight matchup, which took place at UFC Apex in Las Vegas and streamed on ESPN+.
After Laramie received a UFC contract through Dana White’s Contender Series, he had some high expectations for his UFC career. It got off to a rough start, because Minner upset him in resounding fashion.
Watch the highlight of the finish below (via Twitter):
Easy money tonight! 🤑@DarrickMinner with the RD 1 upset from Las Vegas.
[ #UFCVegas11 – LIVE on #ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/OUeBWBmhNN
— UFC (@ufc) September 19, 2020
Laramie was listed as high as a -420 favorite for the bout with Minner, who lost his UFC debut to Grant Dawson in February. He came back and delivered a statement, and afterward explained how he has no intention to be Laramie’s stepping stone.
“It’s been a long time coming, baby,” Minner said. “I’ve been a pro for eight years and it’s just a matter of time this was going to happen. Trying to make a name off me? I’m here to stay and I’m here to make an impact. No names are being made off me.”
