This past weekend, three rookies stepped into the Octagon for the first time during UFC Vegas 114 at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. Impressively, all three newcomers achieved a flawless record of 3-0, including one spectacular knockout.
Now that the action has concluded, it’s time to evaluate their performances.
The 23-year-old Marwan Rahiki, fresh off a memorable fight on Contender Series, made his UFC debut against veteran Harry Hardwick. Rahiki began strong by stunning Hardwick within seconds, though he soon slipped and allowed Hardwick to take his back. Nevertheless, Rahiki defended well, leading to a striking contest in the center of the cage.
The final stretch of the first round descended into a wild exchange. Round two was particularly chaotic and is likely to be recognized as a contender for Round of the Year for 2026. After landing a significant head kick, Rahiki nearly finished but Hardwick fought back, reciprocating damage.
The match ultimately concluded between rounds when Hardwick suffered a broken jaw. At just 23, Rahiki’s promising future is evident. While he took considerable damage, which raises some concerns, his exciting style guarantees he’s a fighter to watch.
Next, Manoel Sousa finally had his chance to debut in the UFC after previously being signed to the Professional Fighters League. Expectations were high following his exhilarating performance on Contender Series, and he certainly delivered against Bolaji Oki. Sousa knocked Oki down within minutes but faced tough resistance as Oki regained control in the first round. The fight turned into a back-and-forth battle in later rounds, culminating in a decisive knockout from Sousa.
Sousa’s aggressive approach, coupled with his knockout power, makes him a thrilling addition to the Bantamweight division. He has potential, despite some concerns about his finishing capability against tougher opponents. An encounter with fighter Timmy Cuamba is highly anticipated next, ideally in front of a packed audience.
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