Charles Jourdain prefers to strike with his opponents but he’s more than happy to show off his grappling game when the time is right.
The Canadian proved that at UFC Vegas 52 after he landed a knockdown on Lando Vannata before snatching a one-arm guillotine choke to get the tap at just 2:32 into the opening round. Jourdain called his fight, expressing his desire to face one of the best strikers in 145 weights in the next bout.
“I’m very glad I got the finish,” Jourdain said. Lando is the toughest guy that I have ever had to fight, but I managed to clip him and win the battle. I like the power guillotine and as you can see it’s very deep.
“I have a name in mind, but I would love to face Edson Barboza. I want to leave my life in there and I want to face the best strikers.”
Prior to his call out, Jourdain went to battle with Vannata in what was definitely one of the most anticipated matchups on the entire card.
The featherweights were throwing heavy leather from the first exchange with Vannata mixing in a takedown and then launching a rapid-fire flurry once the fight got back on the feet. Just after snapping Jourdain’s head back with a well-timed uppercut, the Canadian steadied himself and started coming back at him with a striking attack of his own.
A straight left-hand down the middle tagged Vannata on the chin and put him on the mat as Jourdain pounced on the opening rather than just allowing his opponent to get back to the feet.
The strategy worked as Jourdain grabbed the guillotine choke immediately and put maximum pressure on Vannata’s neck. After falling into guard, he pressed down until Vannata was forced to give up. Jourdan won his second consecutive win and his third in four UFC performances.
