UFC 234 Results: Ricky Simon defeats Rani Yahya (Highlights)

A bantamweight bout between Rani Yahya and Ricky Simon took place on the main card of tonight’s UFC 234 pay-per-view event in Australia.

Rani Yahya (26-9 MMA) entered tonight’s contest on a three-fight winning streak, his latest being a submission win over Luke Saunders this past August in Nebraska.

Meanwhile, Ricky Simon (14-1 MMA) entered his UFC 234 bout with Rani Yahya on a seven-fight win streak. In his most recent effort at UFC 227, Simon defeated Montel Jackson via unanimous decision.

Round one of this UFC 234 contest begins and Simon comes out with pressure. Yahya throws a high kick and both men start swinging punches. A good hook lands for Yahya. Rani with an overhand and then a high kick. He shoots in and attempts a double leg but gets stuffed. Yahya pulls guard and then jumps up begins swinging some heavy leather. Simon with a nice uppercut as Yahya is coming in. That appeared to stun Rani. He circles and then returns fire with a body kick. Yahya rushes into the pocket but gets caught with a big hook. He faceplants but is stil concsious. Yahya pulls guard and Simon backs off. Back on the feet and Ricky Simon catches Yahya with a big combination. Rani drops and Simon charges in with a knee. The horn sounds to end round one.

Round two of this UFC 234 main card contest begins and Yahya backs up Simon with pressure. Ricky Simon has a cut around his right eye. Yahya lands a right hand but Simon comes back with one of his own that appears to do more damage. Yaha with a body kick off the cage and an then a flurry. Rani dives for an ankle but Simon avoids. Yahya backed into the fence but comes back swinging. A big right hand from Yaha lands. Simon leaps in with one of his own. Both men seem happy to stand and trade. Yahya lands a beautful counter punch that rocks Simon. Yahya chases after Simon with punches. Simon hits a counter elbow that sends Yahya down to the canvas. Simon lets Yahya up and Rani answers with a high kick. Simon with a lunging left. Another takedown attempt and this time Simon allows Yahya to pull guard. Round two comes to an end.

Round three begins and Simon is able to get Yahya down again. Yahya scrambles back to his feet and cracks Simon with an overhand right. Yahya with a double leg attempt, Simon sprawls him out. Both men seem happy to trade now. Yahya once again shoots for a takedown but it is not there. Simon catches a kick and lands a right hand. Yahya breaks free and lands a combination of his own. Simon catches Yahya coming in and scores a poweful takedown. He controls Rani while landing some ground and pound to close out the third and final round.

UFC 234 Result: Simon def. Yahya via unanimous decision (30-27 x2, 30-25)