Ethyn Ewing delivered another stellar performance in his second UFC bout, securing a decisive victory over Rafael Estevam at UFC Vegas 115 on Saturday.
The opening round was closely contested, with both fighters exchanging blows and finding openings. Approximately two minutes into the fight, Estevam attempted his first takedown, but Ewing’s excellent defense successfully thwarted it. This pattern continued throughout the round, as Ewing consistently denied Estevam’s grappling efforts.
However, as the first round neared its end, just when Estevam seemed poised to take it on the scorecards, Ewing connected with a powerful left hand near the cage, dropping the Brazilian to the canvas. Although there wasn’t enough time to capitalize for a finish, this significant moment clearly shifted the momentum in Ewing’s favor.
A minute into the second round, Ewing landed a massive right hand. Estevam appeared to have no effective response to the ensuing barrage of strikes, and the damage began to accumulate.
With about a minute left in the round, Ewing unleashed another thunderous right hand that visibly staggered Estevam. Estevam desperately attempted a takedown, but Ewing easily sprawled, ending the round with a clear 20-18 lead on the unofficial scorecards.
Following a dominant second round, it felt inevitable that Ewing would secure his first finish inside the Octagon. The decisive moment arrived just past the 90-second mark of the third round when Ewing landed a devastating liver shot that buckled Estevam, prompting the referee to intervene and stop the fight.
Official Result: Ethyn Ewing defeated Rafael Estevam via TKO (strikes) at 1:44 of Round 3.
