/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66168432/1201976013.jpg.0.jpg)
Entering Saturday night’s main card at UFC Raleigh, fight fans were prepared to witness a battle between the “old guard” of their divisions against the new blood emerging on the scene.
In the co-main event, former lightweight contender Michael Chiesa earned the biggest win of his career, in the form of a unanimous decision against former lightweight champion turned welterweight title challenger, Rafael dos Anjos. Not to be outdone, Curtis Blaydes buzzed through former heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos with a skull-rattling TKO in the second round.
Below is how the pros reacted a wild night action at UFC Raleigh.
Curtis Blaydes finishes Junior dos Santos by TKO
The homie Curtis with the hands!!! Congrats big dog. @RazorBlaydes265
— Dominick Reyes (@DomReyes) January 26, 2020
@RazorBlaydes265 joining the #50k #bonus club once again. Great performance. #JDS is a legend always love seeing that man compete.
— Justin Gaethje (@Justin_Gaethje) January 26, 2020
The Highlight Reel vs The Asian Persuasion #Bellator238
— Tatiana Suarez (@tatianaufc) January 26, 2020
Damn that was an amazing performance @RazorBlaydes265 gets it done with a tko. I knew that was coming. Curtis kept faking that shot and I had a feeling he was going to level change and throw an overhand. #mystictat #UFCRaleigh
— Tatiana Suarez (@tatianaufc) January 26, 2020
That’s the way to get it done @RazorBlaydes265 title shot next! #UFCRaleigh
— Niko Price (@Nikohybridprice) January 26, 2020
Solid win for @RazorBlaydes265 and the @ElevationMMA team. #UFCRaleigh
— Mike Jackson, Esq. (@TheTruthJackson) January 26, 2020
.Hells freaking yeah!!!!!
— Megan Anderson (@MeganA_mma) January 26, 2020
Let's goooo @RazorBlaydes265 #UFCRaleigh https://t.co/GlAiQIsAoj
Wow @RazorBlaydes265 took out a striker with strikes! No one saw that coming #UFCRaleigh
— Julian marquez (@JMarquezMMA) January 26, 2020
I have to congratulate the fight. but honestly I was not surprised by the wrestling @RazorBlaydes265 #UFCRaleigh
— Juan Espino El Guapo (@juan_espino_ofi) January 26, 2020
Michael Chiesa defeats Rafael dos Anjos
To think Chiesa used to make 155lb is insane!!!
— Megan Anderson (@MeganA_mma) January 26, 2020
He looks HUGEEE at 170 and what a big W in only his 3rd fight at this new weight. #UFCRaleigh https://t.co/BDe7IdjNDX
Maverick with the dominant W! @MikeMav22
— Al Iaquinta (@ALIAQUINTA) January 26, 2020
Very impressive fight for Chiesa
— James Vick (@JamesVickMMA) January 26, 2020
Shows u rankings don’t mean anything props to rda for not hiding behind his ranking
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) January 26, 2020
Insane pace!!!! TAKE IT HOME @MikeMav22 ♠️⚔️ #UFCRaleigh
— Emil Valhalla Meek (@emilvalhalla) January 26, 2020
Alex Perez submits Jordan Espinosa
Alex Perez just put that guy to sleep with the BamBam choke. Same one I got Sage with. Everyone said it wasn’t a choke lol and there you go. Well done #UFCRaleigh
— BRYAN BARBERENA (@bryan_barberena) January 26, 2020
He schleep. #UFCRaleigh
— Mike Jackson, Esq. (@TheTruthJackson) January 26, 2020
Got em #UFCRaleigh
— Niko Price (@Nikohybridprice) January 26, 2020
Angela Hill finishes Hannah Cifers by TKO
Good stuff! Beast mode @AngieOverkill #UFCRaleigh
— Niko Price (@Nikohybridprice) January 26, 2020
I thought Hill could really pour on the volume using footwork and speed.
— Chas Skelly (@ChasSkelly) January 26, 2020
Solid win, @AngieOverkill! #UFCRaleigh pic.twitter.com/JobBjSSKTh
— Mike Jackson, Esq. (@TheTruthJackson) January 26, 2020
You all doubted me I told you hill is a beast
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) January 26, 2020
Me calling @AngieOverkill to see where we goin out to eat at wit her 50k bonus. pic.twitter.com/MgdWvijXGc
— Danger Dobson (@shana_dobson) January 26, 2020
Congratulations @AngieOverkill on another TKO win #rankingup #UFCRaleigh pic.twitter.com/WyEpEiFs2e
— Dwight Grant (@DwightGrant) January 26, 2020
Jamahal Hill defeats Darko Stosic
My dude @SweetDreamshill with the victory!!!! #UFCRaleigh #lfg
— Max Griffin (@MaxPainGriffin) January 26, 2020