It’s kind of odd that Fight Island was supposed to allow UFC to schedule matches involving fighters on the roster from countries that have travel restrictions. To some extent, that has happened. But what’s also happened is that Fight Island has been an opportunity for non-US fighters to get their first UFC fight a bit earlier than they might otherwise have.
There have been a number of comments along the lines of “Who the fuck are these guys?” or “I haven’t heard of half of these fighters. This card sucks!”
And yet: The cards haven’t sucked. And more than a few of the fighters many had never heard of have made an impact. Hopefully the next time some of them are on a card there will be more comments such as “Psyched to see this guy fight again!” Some of us got to see some exciting new fighters, at least a few of whom might become legit contenders.
Let’s review:
UFC 251:
Jiri Prochazka: In a card featuring 6 current or former UFC champs and 3 title fights, he made his UFC debut against the (then) #7 LHW. Got a 2nd Round TKO. Won a POTN. Entered rankings at #8 the following week.
Fight Island #1:
Mounir Lazzez: 1st UFC fight, vs. UFC vet Alhassan. Wins FOTN.
Khamzat Chimaev: Win’s UFC debut by D’Arce choke. Wins POTN. Accepts quick turnaround fight, only 15 days after 1st UFC fight.
Lerone Murphy: In his 2nd UFC fight, wins a POTN after a 1st Round TKO.
Modestas Bukauskas: Puts opponent on Queer Street, wins by 1st Round TKO, wins POTN.
Liana Jojua: Not a newcomer. Just someone most “fans” had maybe only vaguely heard of. In her 2nd UFC fight, picked up a brutal 1st Round armbar win.
Fight Island #2:
Rafael Fiziev: Actually his 3rd UFC fight, but it will live in gifs forever. Incredible Matrix-level body control en route to an FOTN win.
Ariane Lipski: Entered fight with a 1-2 UFC record. Left the fight 2-2 in UFC after winning a POTN with a sick kneebar.
Roman Dolidze: Debuts with a 1st Round KO via knee to the chops and GNP followup over UFC vet Ibragimov.
Amir Albazi: 1st UFC fight, gets 1st round Triangle sub. Doesn’t win post-fight bonus because UFC’s cheapskates only give out 4 bonuses per card.