LAS VEGAS, NV – AUGUST 23: (L-R) Bolivian opponents Zachary Reese and Jose Daniel Medina face off during the UFC Fight Night weigh-ins at UFC APEX on August 23, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
Despite losing in the 2023 Contender Series, Jose Medina earned his spot at UFC and made his debut following a DWCS loss on Saturday at UFC Las Vegas 96. There, Medina was paired with Zachary Reese, who was 1-1 with the promotion, looking to pick up his first win under the UFC banner.
The middleweight pair appeared on a preliminary card at the UFC Apex, with Medina being a significant underdog according to oddsmakers.
As the bell rang, Reese landed two body kicks and tried to charge in with a knee. Medina grabbed him but Reese got the takedown. A hard right punch from Reese landed hard. Medina gave up on his back and got to his feet but was hit with more punches on his way up. They separated and Reese landed another body kick. Reese then went to the top but was blocked. Another nasty body kick followed that hurt Medina. Reese charged in but Medina got the takedown. Reese got up and swept on top with a front headlock. Reese got to his feet and waved Medina to stand. Reese landed a body kick and an inside leg kick to end the round.
In the second round, Reese started with a step-in knee. It missed, but another body kick from Reese hurt Medina. Body kicks had been effective for Reese all day, and he landed them multiple times. Reese was growing more confident and began to have success with punches. Medina lost distance and couldn’t get much done. Medina showed toughness but a severe lack of technique in comparison. With a minute left in the round, Medina got his chance. Reese slowed Medina down with a leg kick. Medina fought back with a hard right hook, but missed his takedown attempt.
In the final round, Medina needed a finish, with Reese clearly exhausted. Reese started with another body kick, then got a takedown and redirected. Medina was able to get some space to stand up, but Reese quickly took him down. Oddly enough, Reese stepped back, allowing Medina to get up. Medina showed signs of impatience and landed a big spinning elbow. Reese then got behind him and slammed Medina to the mat. Medina was able to get in the hips, but Reese was too heavy, probably because Medina was too tired to stand up. Reese gave Medina enough space to get up on his knees. Reese was still in control and slammed Medina to the mat. They finished the round, the match was over, but the outcome never really mattered.
Official result: Zachary Reese defeats Jose Medina by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
