Adrian Yanez and Daniel Marcos at UFC Tampa’s ceremonial weigh-in at Amalie Arena, December 13, 2024 Credit: Jay Anderson/Cageside Press
On Saturday’s main card at UFC Tampa, Adrian Yanez and Daniel Markos threw down a promising bantamweight tilt.
At the UFC’s final event of 2024, Yanez was looking for his second win of the year, as was Markos (who also had a no-contest with Aori Killen). It will be interesting to see how their batting styles collide. Was Yanez’s boxing approach enough to win Marcos’ kicking game?
Both fighters were firing on all cylinders and landed heavily on each other. A big right hand from Marcos caught Yanez by surprise, but Yanez’s survival instincts against the fence allowed him to recover and briefly survive. The match was stopped due to Marcos’ eye poke and low blow. Yanez is probably still feeling the effects of his big right hand, but it would be wise to take as much time as possible to recover from the foul. Back in the match, Marcos was trying to land an overhand on Yanez’s jab. Marcos learned from Jonathan Martinez’s win over Yanez, landing multiple kicks on Yanez’s lead leg. In the clinch, Marcos attempted a takedown and Yanez stuffed him, but he landed a nice elbow on the break. A fun round where Marcos takes it 10-9 thanks to that early right hand.
Early in the second match, Yanez’s powerful left hook hurt Marcos. A fake spin landed a straight right for Marcos, who then landed another right, causing Yanez to stumble a bit. The Peruvian fighter was able to land first and third well and win more fights. Yanez landed nearly every low kick he threw, but he didn’t throw as many as the commentary team would have liked. Marcos’ flying knee misses, but he counters with a left hook to the jaw. An overhand right club from Marcos ended the round. In a very close and competitive round, I personally give it to Yanez because his early left hook was the biggest shot of the round.
Both fighters threw hay and entered the final round with what appeared to be a draw. Yanez landed another left hook to beat Marcos, but “Soncora” stayed in the pocket and landed his own shot. Marcos used his forward momentum to knock a staggering Yanez to the ground. This was the first time Yanez was seen on his back in the UFC since coming into this fight with a 100% takedown defense. Nothing much happened on the ground, and Yanez struggled to his feet. Once in the clinch, Yanez tried for a takedown but missed. When Marcos fired again, Yanez attempted a guillotine in the middle, but Marcos wisely dealt with it. Yanez eventually got back on his feet. Both men were taking deep breaths in the clinch. With a pace like that late in the third set, it’s completely understandable. Marcos looked the more tired of the two, but Yanez was unable to press the gas in the final moments. Unfortunately for Yanez, his early left hook wasn’t enough to overcome the control time Marcos gained.
A very entertaining exchange and a contender for Fight of the Night. This was the best win of his career, and the Peruvian fighter remained undefeated, moving to 17-0.
Official result: Daniel Marcos def. Adrian Yanez split decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28)
