UFC 234 live blog: Lando Vannata vs. Marcos Mariano

This is the UFC 234 live blog for Lando Vannata vs. Marcos Mariano, a lightweight bout at Saturday’s UFC event at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia.

Vannata, winless in his last four bouts, faces Mariano, a training partner of Anderson Silva who has won four of his last five fights, in the co-main event.

Check out the UFC 234 live blog below.

Round 1: Steve Percival overseeing the evening’s co-main event. Little action early as both guys are looking for the range, Vannata marching forward. He throws a looping right. They exchange low leg kicks. Body lock by Vannata and then he scores with a huge trip. Vannata in half guard. He’s softening Mariano up with short elbows. Vannata looks to pass, but ends up in full guard. He’s posturing up, looking to strike, Mariano defending by hand-fighting. Vannata patiently landing punches from top position. Mariano just locking his legs together, not offering much in the way of offense or defense from his back. Vannata starts punching his body. Huge punch and then an elbow by Vannata. Mariano turtling up and Vannata continues to punch away. He ends up with Vannata sitting on his face, Vannata goes for the kimura and gets the submission.

Official result: Lando Vannata def. Marcos Mariano via submission (kimura) at 4:55 of round one