LAS VEGAS — Jesse Taylor was supposed to compete in the finals of The Ultimate Fighter season seven back in 2008 but after acting inappropriately in a Las Vegas hotel and vandalizing a limousine, Dana White gave him his walking papers.
On Friday, Taylor made good on a second chance nearly a decade in the making and finally became a TUF champion by beating Dhiego Lima following their stints on TUF: Redemption.
In the main event, Justin Gaethje became a star with his instant-classic win over Michael Johnson. Gaethje (18-0) is now eyeing a fight with No. 1 lightweight contender Tony Ferguson.
Drakkar Klose made a name for himself with an upset win over the highly touted lightweight prospect Marc Diakiese.
Jared Cannonier continued to look impressive at 205 pounds, dominating UFC newcomer Nick Roehrick.
Brad Tavares edged out Canadian Elias Theodorou.
Tavares’s coach Ray Sefo, who also happened to know Gaethje well from his days in World Series of Fighting, was happy with how the night unfolded.
Jordan Johnson improved to 8-0 with a win over Marcel Fortuna and is a name to watch at 205 pounds.
Videos courtesy of Sportsnet MMA contributor James Lynch. You can follow James on Twitter @LynchOnSports and subscribe to his YouTube page.
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