UFC matchmakers couldn’t have asked for a better brawl to kick off the action in front of the massive Toronto crowd at UFC 129. The two featherweight’s traded strikes in the early going with Pablo Garza employing an active jab in contrast to the vicious leg kicks of Yves Jabouin. Neither fighter was able to gain a distinct advantage on the feet but as round one progressed it became clear that Garza preferred for the fight to be fought in closer quarters.
A clinch between the two led to Garza attempting the very rare flying triangle and the fight hit the mat with less than two minutes remaining on the clock. Jabouin initially waived off the submission as Garza dropped elbows and considered an armbar from the triangle but as Garza adjusted position, Jabouin had no choice but to concede.
Next stops for the two fighters?
With only one career loss on his record, Garza seems to have an opportunity to distinguish himself as contender if he can string together another win or two. It’s worth noting that his only loss came at the hands of Tiequan Zhang and was a fight that Garza took on very short notice. Garza will most likely find himself facing a top-tier featherweight in his next bout with Josh Grispi, George Roop, Erik Koch, or a rematch with Tiequan Zhang all being possibilities.
For Jabouin, the next fight for him will most likely have to be with another promotion. He’s dropped three of his four ZUFFA fights and it’s doubtful they’ll retain his services as a member of the rapidly improving featherweight division. The good news for the aging Jabouin is that he’s still a quality fighter who can continue to find fights in the smaller Mixed Martial Arts promotions.
