Ryan Spann flattens Marcus Buchecha with one-punch KO at heavyweight
Ryan Spann knocked out Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu champion Marcus Buchecha with a single right hand in the second round at UFC Vegas 116 on Saturday night, announcing his arrival as a legitimate heavyweight threat.
Spann survived early grappling exchanges before landing a left-right combination that sent Buchecha crashing to the canvas at 2:10 of the second round, per MMA Fighting. Referee Herb Dean waved off the fight immediately as Buchecha lay motionless. The 6-foot-5 Spann weighed in at 264 pounds, his heaviest to date, and appeared settled into the division after struggling with the move up from light heavyweight.
Spann survives ground scrambles before landing bomb
Buchecha threatened early after dragging the fight to the mat and hunting for back control, but Spann scrambled free and began reversing position with his own front headlocks. According to MMA Mania, Spann’s agility and athleticism took over as Buchecha faded. The Brazilian looked sluggish through two rounds, giving Spann room to operate on the feet.
“I looked a little chunky right there. We’ve got to fix that,” Spann joked afterward, as reported by MMA Fighting. “I really just wanted to take my time. We got this call not even a month ago. My brother came in and we all got to work immediately. Your boy can breathe now.”
The win moves Spann to 2-1 at heavyweight after his first victory in the division last July. Buchecha drops to 0-2-1 in the UFC, raising questions about whether the promotion will keep the decorated grappler on the roster. Spann fights next at a date to be determined.
Original reporting:
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