LAS VEGAS, NV – OCTOBER 12: (RL) Themba Golimbo of Zimbabwe defeats Niko Price in a welterweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on October 12, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. hit. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
Nico Price finally got the chance to fight twice a year at UFC Vegas 98, but it was The Rock who dominated on Saturday, having previously bought struggling Niko Price a home and pushed him to stardom. It was Themba Golimbo who made a big splash.
Price had to endure a bit of early adversity in the opening frame, but came out unscathed. Golimbo entered the fight in about a minute and settled on top while Price closed his guard. Golimbo still had room to shine, but Price’s ground game is also something to look out for. Themba found space to set up and loosen up with some ground and pound late in the round, but could not come close to finishing.
The second round started with a back and forth movement of the feet, but it was pretty even. However, the scales shifted in his favor when Golimbo found a takedown just over a minute in. Golimbo was aggressive with ground and pound, but still managed to escape to his feet. Golimbo would add a second takedown towards the end of the frame, but almost overshot and still didn’t have enough time to do the job.
Themba Golimbo’s dominant frame continued in the third round, leading to more takedowns and plenty of time on top. Nico Price mounted enough offense to prevent the finish, but there was little question as to who won the match.
With this win, Golimbo will be under the UFC banner for the fourth year in a row. Before Price, Themba Golimbo had defeated Ramiz Brahimaj.
Official result: Themba Golimbo def. Niko Price unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
