Heavyweight Chris Barnett pulled off a gutsy come-from-behind win over Jake Collier to send the UFC 279 crowd into a frenzy.
Barnett did his signature flip to celebrate a TKO at the 2:24 mark of the second round and had the audience chanting his name as he gushed to Joe Rogan on the mic.
Things started out dicey for Barnett as he took serious punishment from Collier early on. As they attempted to win a second round, the heavyweights faltered. Barnett appeared to have lost his jaw and eye. When the second round started, Barnett’s prospects looked dim.
A tactical error from Collier gave “Beast Boy” a second chance as he stuffed a takedown attempt and whipped around to the back, pounding away until the ref stopped it.
Here’s what fighters had to say about Barnett’s win at UFC 279.
LFGCHRIS !!!!
— Israel Adesanya (@stylebender) September 11, 2022
This should be the @ufc official dance https://t.co/UDRkwHhJMm
— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) September 11, 2022
No matter what your opinion, Chris Barnett has the ability to entertain and be a fighter.
Congrats man #UFC279— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) September 11, 2022
This was most fun I’ve had in long time. It was amazing, Chris Barnett! #UFC279
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) September 11, 2022
Bruuuh! What a come back!! #UFC279
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) September 11, 2022
A star is born @Beastboy61 #UFC279
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) September 11, 2022
CHRIS BARNETT!!!! #UFC279 pic.twitter.com/tPk5xW6l9o
— Angela Hill (@AngieOverkill) September 11, 2022
What a wild fight! Big boys swanging
— Kevin Lee MTP (@MoTownPhenom) September 11, 2022
Amazing stuff from Chris Barnett
— Platinum Mike Perry (@PlatinumPerry) September 11, 2022
LFG BEASTBOY #UFC279 pic.twitter.com/TApfBqLLgw
— Joe Joe Giannetti (@Giannettimma) September 11, 2022
That was a fun one #UFC279
— Thiago Moises (@ThiagoMoisesMMA) September 11, 2022
Damnnnnn! #UFC279
— Tatiana Suarez (@tatianaufc) September 11, 2022
I don’t believe Hulk Hogan would suggest doing more flip landings. #UFC279
— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) September 11, 2022
Chris Barnett got me HYPED! He is a great guy. #UFC279
— Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) September 11, 2022
That mfkr be spittin. I love Beast Boy. Get it, you lovely pirate bish. #ufc279 @ufc
— Julia Avila (@RagingPandaMMA) September 11, 2022
Barnett, the man! #UFC279
— Chris Weidman (@chrisweidman) September 11, 2022
