LAS VEGAS, NV – AUGUST 09: (L-R) Ukrainian opponents Danny Barlow and Nikolai Veretennikov face off during the UFC weigh-ins at UFC APEX on August 9, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Al Powers/Zuffa LLC)
Nikolai Veretennikov made his promotional debut at UFC Las Vegas 95, just under three years after appearing on the 2021 Contender Series and facing Danny Barlow.
Veretennikov replaced Uros Medic in this bout, but Barlow was actually heavier, albeit only by a quarter pound.
Early in the first round, Veretennikov landed a hard straight right to the body. Barlow was cautious, but he landed a well-timed knee to the body. Barlow also landed a counter hammerfist, clumsy but effective. Barlow was throwing heavy punches, which Veretennikov was able to dodge well. Barlow landed a fair number of kicks to the legs and body in the first round. Veretennikov nearly got taken down, but despite having good balance, he was taken down in the final seconds.
In the second round, Veretennikov came forward, looking for an opening to attack, but Barlow kept coming first. Barlow’s kicks were the highlight of the fight. Just as Veretennikov tried to throw something, Barlow timed it right and landed a beautiful left punch. This was the biggest moment of the fight so far. Veretennikov had to clinch, but Barlow quickly turned and pressed him against the cage. A low blow from Veretennikov brought the fight to a pause. They resumed the clinch, but it didn’t last long. Barlow closed out the final minute of the round with a long jab, but a great right punch from Veretennikov ended the round.
Going into the final round, Veretennikov needed a finish. It was Veretennikov who was on the offensive, while Barlow was on the run and stuck to the outside. Veretennikov was throwing looping punches, while Barlow was ahead of Veretennikov with straights. Barlow clearly had the speed advantage, not only with his hands but also with his feet. Veretennikov was charging forward with right club punches and power shots, becoming a force to be reckoned with. Veretennikov was starting to get into a rhythm, but Barlow was holding on well. A looping left hook from Veretennikov landed with a minute to go. Barlow backed off in the third round, but held on until the bell, likely winning the first two rounds.
There was one surprise in the judging: two of the judges awarded the win to Danny Barlow, while the third awarded all three rounds to Veretennikov, a decision that will no doubt raise some eyebrows.
Official result: Danny Barlow defeats Nikolai Veretennikov by split decision (29-28, 27-30, 29-28)
