LAS VEGAS, NV – OCTOBER 11: (LR) Opponents Clayton Carpenter and Brazil’s Lucas Rocha face off during the UFC Fight Night weigh-in at UFC APEX on October 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, NV. do. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
Clayton Carpenter and Lucas Rocha kicked off UFC Vegas 98 with a flyweight scrap on a night when the UFC’s smallest weight class geared up for big things.
Earlier in the day, the promotion announced that RIZIN FF champion Kai Asakura, who recently signed with the company, will face champion Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 310, aiming for a title shot in his debut fight. Meanwhile, Asakura’s compatriot, undefeated flyweight Tatsuro, headlined the UFC Vegas 98 card against Brandon Roybal. And another big 125-pounder, Ramazan Temirov, also made his debut later in the evening.
As for Rocha and Carpenter, Contender Series winner Rocha made his promotional debut with a 1-0 win over Carpenter.
The opening round of Saturday’s Carpenter vs. Rocha match began and Rocha was already landing a right hand. He allowed it early on, including combinations to the body. He made Carpenter respond with rights of his own and a lead uppercut. Carpenter slowed the pace with a well-timed double leg in an action-packed striking match. Carpenter passes into half guard and cuts Rocha above the eye with an elbow before that.
Rocha was lying on his back, allowing Carpenter to advance and getting stuck there. Eventually, Rocha took a knee, but Carpenter adjusted and quickly returned to half guard. Carpenter was so busy that he ended up getting another cut under his other eye. Rocha was unable to stand up.
In the second round, Rocha landed a flying knee and Carpenter took a shot that was too far away. Carpenter lands three consecutive kicks to the body before completing the takedown. Rocha tried to jump up, but Carpenter hit a body triangle and jumped onto the back. Carpenter locks up a rear-naked choke and Rocha defends, but ends up falling asleep.
Official results: Clayton Carpenter def. Lucas Rocha, submission (rear naked choke), round 2, 2:12
