UFC 282: Ilia Topuria hands Bryce Mitchell first career loss with arm triangle choke

UFC 282: Ilia Topuria defeated Bryce.

Ilia Topuria defeated Bryce Mitchell via submission (arm triangle choke), Round 2 – 3:10 at UFC 282 on Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022, live from the T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, NV.

“I want the title fight next. If not, let’s go to Spain. Let’s do UFC Spain. Before I walked in, I knew I was better than him. Standup, on the ground, everywhere. I saw the opportunity and submitted him,” said Topuria.

UFC 282: Bryce Mitchell vs. Ilia Topuria: Round-by-round recap

The fight opened with immediate action with Topuria catching Mitchell after Mitchell threw a kick. Topuria landed a powerful leg kick, which lead to Mitchell changing his stance. Topuria landed several sharp strikes. Mitchell had his first takedown attempt stuffed but landed a body kick and a right-hand combination. Mitchell picked a single-leg takedown and eventually tripped Topuria. However, Topuria was able to get back up instantly. Topuria landed a powerful punch to the body. Mitchell changed levels and was able to bring Topuria down to his back. The first round ended with Mitchell on top of Topuria.

Topuria opened with a right hand and blocked a takedown attempt. Mitchell landed another body kick and landed a straight left but had his takedown stuffed again. Mitchell landed a combination that he finished with a head kick. Topuria dropped Mitchell with an uppercut. Topuria jumped on top of Mitchell and landed an elbow from side control. With Mitchell getting back up to his feet, Topuria landed some big shots. Topuria landed an uppercut as Mitchell was coming in for a takedown. Topuria pancaked Mitchell and controlled the body position. As Mitchell was making his way back to a knee, Topuria locked in an arm triangle choke and wrenched Mitchell back to the canvas. Mitchell was forced to tap out.

Mitchell and Topuria entered UFC 282 as two of the brightest rising stars in the division. Both fighters entered Saturday’s fight with an undefeated record. Mitchell set foot in the Octagon with a 15-0 record with nine finishes. While Topuria scored his third straight knockout in his last fight, improving to 12-0 with 11 finishes.

Topuria will take Mitchell’s ninth place in the UFC featherweight rankings. The Georgian fighter will likely fight one of the fighters ranked ahead of him as he looks to move closer to a title fight. Mitchell will look to rebound from his first career loss in his next fight.

UFC 282 took place on Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022, live from the T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, NV. Follow along with FanSided MMA for all your news and highlights.