Ivan Erslan and Tuco Tokkos wasted no time turning their fight at UFC Vegas 117 into a war on Saturday night
In a fight that featured wild exchanges, relentless scrambles, and heavy shots from both sides, Erslan’s pressure, power, and control ultimately carried him through a chaotic battle to secure the victory.
Round 1 – Tokkos took the center early and landed a leg kick right away, but Erslan stopped him from settling into a rhythm. A big right hand from Erslan got Tokkos’ attention, forcing him to become more mobile and avoid staying a stationary target for the heavy-hitter.
Tokkos continued to work behind leg kicks and a jab before shooting for a takedown, but he was met with a nasty uppercut from Erslan and ended up defending instead. Once they separated, Erslan unleashed a furious flurry, looking for an early finish.
Tokkos tried to create space with push kicks, but Erslan stayed aggressive, eventually scoring a takedown. In the scramble, however, Tokkos managed to clinch him against the fence and slow things down.
The two continued to scramble, with Tokkos briefly securing a headlock in an attempt to control Erslan, but it didn’t last long once they broke off the fence.
Both fighters began to show signs of fatigue from the pace, though Erslan appeared slightly fresher. Tokkos attempted another takedown, but it was quickly stuffed, and Erslan allowed the fight to return to the feet, confident in his striking advantage.
Tokkos then landed a massive counter that rocked Erslan and surged forward looking to capitalize. Erslan answered right back, and the two exchanged heavy shots in a wild back-and-forth battle until the horn.
It was a high-paced and chaotic opening round.
Hell of a first round!
Round 2 – Tokkos threw a quick 1-2 combination then shot in for a takedown by Erslan threw him aside like it meant nothing to him. He forced Tokkos to work on the outside and circle away, but Erslan continued to land his jab.
Tokkos has a hell of a chin on him taking constant clean shots to the face, but giving some back as well. He shot in on Erslan, but the takedown was stuffed, and he ended up on bottom side control.
Erslan landed damage on Tokkos who tried like hell to create a scramble, but couldn’t get out from under the Croatian. Tokkos tried to go deep half to find his way up, but Erslan held him down well.
Round 3 – Erslan took the middle of the octagon again forcing Tokkos to fight off the back foot. Tokkos worked teep kicks and jabs to create space, but Erslan was adamant about suffocating his opponent.
Tokkos shot in again, against his corner’s advice, and Erslan stuffed it again taking top position in quarter guard. Erslan stayed busy on top, but he wasn’t landing any devastating damage.
Tokkos worked his way to the feet, but Erslan dragged him back down. Running out of time, and energy, it definitely looked bleak for Tokkos at this point. He tried to roll out of the position, but ended up on his back.
Erslan took side control position and landed hammers until Tokkos went to the turtle. Erslan took the back position, but didn’t have much time to finish the fight in this spot.
Official Result: Ivan Erslan def. Tuco Tokkos via Unanimous Decision (29-28×3)