Kyle Daukaus got his first official finish in the octagon with a buzzer-beater submission to put Jamie Pickett away in the opening round of their UFC Vegas 48 co-headliner.
It was an impressive performance by Daukaus. He dominated the whole way and then wrapped up D’arce chokes that made Pickett tap out right before the horn went off. The official stoppage came at exactly 4:59 of the first round. Daukaus won his second UFC victory.
“I felt him tap before the bell rang,” Daukaus said afterward. “It felt great. I want to call out Tony Ferguson. I have more D’arce chokes. Also, I have more D’arce chokes.
Pickett was brought to the ground by Daukaus’s quick hands as he tried to move forward. Pickett was able to control Daukaus and regain his balance, although he was stuck in the clinch. This led to Pickett’s second trip to the canvas.
Pickett was stuck under Daukaus’s feet, and tried almost everything to get out. Even when Pickett did manage to get back to standing, Daukaus was coming after him with rapid-fire punches, which set up the final grappling exchange of the fight.
After the action again hit the floor, Daukaus wrapped his arms around Pickett’s head and arm to secure the D’arce choke, but it looked like he might run out of time. Pickett finally had to tap because Daukaus took this as an opportunity to make the submission sink even deeper.
Daukaus was better than ever Saturday night in securing the victory. Now he will focus his efforts to assist his brother Chris as he prepares for his fight against Curtis Blaydes on the UFC Columbus card, March 26..
