UFC 189 Results: What We Learned from Thomas Almeida vs. Brad Pickett

Amidst a slick new graphics package making its debut on pay-per-view, UFC 189 kicked off on Saturday with a classic battle of a veteran versus an up-and-comer, as popular Englishman Brad Pickett returned to 135 pounds to throw hands with undefeated Brazilian prospect Thomas Almeida.

It was a great way to start the event with a bang, as Almeida scored a wild flying-knee knockout early in the second round. The bout was an absolute barnburner, providing nonstop violence from the open bell to its savage end, with both men landing big combinations and wobbling each other on occasion.

Here’s what we learned.

What We’ll Remember About This Fight

We'll never forget the finish.

After slugging it out for a round and a bit, Almeida launched himself through the air and landed a beautiful knee on the button. With so much hype surrounding his UFC arrival and career to date, it was the perfect way to punctuate his 20th consecutive MMA win and made for quite the memorable occurrence.

What We Learned About Almeida

He can survive in fairly deep water against a veteran with a strong killer instinct.

In the first round, the 23-year-old ate some major shots and suffered through concussive punishment before getting on track and taking over the back half of the frame. He displayed his poise by coming back and finishing the fight so spectacularly, and it showed he’s ready for the next level of competition at bantamweight.

What We Learned About Pickett

Even at 36 and coming off three straight losses, he’s not done by a long shot. This was his first (T)KO loss in over 10 years, and he looked as good as someone could in losing the way he did. He nearly scored a stoppage of his own in the first round and looked excellent with his movement and combinations.

Another chance at bantamweight—his natural weight class after a forgettable run as a flyweight—is certainly warranted. Pickett is somewhere between a good test for youngsters and a guy who might still sneak into the top 10 with a couple of wins. The UFC needs those sorts of fighters on the roster.

What’s Next for Almeida

Depending on how fast the UFC wants to move him toward the top of the heap, the winner of next week’s Bryan Caraway-Eddie Wineland tilt makes sense.

What’s Next for Pickett

A loser-leaves-town battle against someone down the ladder could click with fans. Cody Gibson might be the guy to fit the bill.

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