ELMONT, NEW YORK – JULY 15: (L-R) Opponents Brian Ortega and Yair Rodriguez of Mexico face off in the course of the UFC Combat Night time ceremonial weigh-in at UBS Area on July 15, 2022 in Elmont, New York. (Photograph by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
When you concentrate on the best comebacks of all time in MMA, your thoughts virtually definitely goes to Pat Barry vs. Cheick Kongo. Or possibly Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen I. Nice comebacks in combating virtually all the time have a surreal, “what did I just see” really feel to them. There have been a pair within the working for our Comeback of the 12 months 2024, although maybe not as memorable as those we simply talked about. Nonetheless, one stood out above the remaining.
Comeback of the 12 months 2024
Eddie Regulation: Brian Ortega vs. Yair Rodriguez. A rematch from a bout two years prior Brian Ortega regarded to avenge his loss to Yair Rodriguez at UFC Mexico Metropolis this previous February. The primary spherical noticed Rodriguez placing it on Ortega and scoring a knockdown virtually ending the battle. Ortega’s coronary heart confirmed as he survived the primary spherical after which took Rodriguez down within the third to complete the battle by submission.
Jay Anderson: Neil Magny placing away a tiring Mike Malott within the third spherical at UFC 297, after Malott had dominated the primary 14 minutes of the battle. I used to be within the constructing for this one, anticipating Malott to quickly be backstage talking with media. Fairly positive all the media room was anticipating that, just for the tables to be turned within the last minute, as Magny had simply sufficient left in him for some floor n’ pound to serve up the TKO end.
Gabriel Gonzalez: Renato Moicano vs Jalin Turner. When the bodily imposing Turner had the dynamic persona in Moicano down and seemingly out, it appeared as if he was on his method to including to the festivities at UFC 300. In the long run, nonetheless, Turner celebrating too early led to Moicano rallying again and including to an all-time nice comeback at an evening stuffed with seminal moments at UFC 300. Had been there different dramatic comebacks in 2024, sure. However just one had the excellence of occurring on a historic night time.
Bryson Hester: Brian Ortega vs. Yair Rodriguez II. Narrowly beating out Esteban Ribovics vs. Daniel Zellhuber, is the Brian Ortega vs. Yair Rodriguez rematch. The primary one ended with a dislocated shoulder for Ortega. Earlier than the battle even began, throughout introductions Ortega rolled his ankle on his touchdown from a warmup soar. Yair dropped Ortega early on within the battle too. However Brian clawed his approach again within the battle locking in an arm triangle choke within the third spherical of a battle that had a number of moments the place he regarded like he was going to lose.
Patrick McCorry: Poirier v Saint Denis- The comeback nature of the KO was unbelievable. Dustin went from making an attempt one more Guillotine, after a really powerful first spherical, to placing the polarizing Frenchman to sleep.
Cade Morehouse: Comeback of the yr in a battle was Brian Ortega vs. Yair Rodriguez when Ortega damage his ankle leaping up and down earlier than the battle! He was surprised within the battle just a few instances attempting to get feeling again in his ankle, however proceeded to finally get his opponent down. Ortega went on to complete the battle by submission even after it appeared nothing was going his approach the night time!
Brett Cagle: Brian Ortega Submits Yair Rodriguez. Coming into his rematch with Yair Rodrigez some questioned whether or not Mind Ortega may nonetheless compete with the highest fighters at 145-pounds. After showing to have injured himself in his pre-fight walkout, Ortega overcame an early first-round knockdown. Within the third spherical, Ortega was capable of get his revenge discovering an Arm Triangle, forcing Rodriguez to faucet. This was a redeeming win and resilient efficiency within the storied profession of Mind Ortega.
Mathis Desjardins: Neil Magny def. Mike Malott [UFC 297]. Mike Malott got here in as a heavy betting favorite, anticipated to soundly defeat Neil Magny by way of superior grappling and enter the rankings. And for about 14 minutes he was doing simply that. He comfortably gained the primary two rounds and all he needed to do was survive the third in opposition to a Magny who isn’t precisely recognized for his ending prowess. After an incomprehensible implosion from Malott, the savvy veteran Magny bought a dominant place and began to relentlessly hearth away ground-and-pound pictures, forcing the referee to cease the battle with simply 15 seconds left. A surprising comeback from the old-timer.
Finish outcome: Neil Magny earned a few votes, however finally, Brian Ortega overcoming adversity in opposition to Yair Rodriguez will get the nod!
