Jack Hermansson Delivers an Effortless Kicking Showcase to Beat Chris Curtis via Unanimous Decision » FirstSportz

Chris Curtis, replacing Darren Till, will have the opportunity to beat Jack Hermansson and make the biggest jump in middleweight history, other than Alex Pereira. While replacing Darren Till on a London map might seem like a near-impossible task, Curtis appears to be the only man capable of it.

As a short-term replacement for Till, Curtis didn’t expect to ever make a UFC career until recently. However, after agreeing to step in as a short-term replacement Phil Hawes at UFC Fight Night 194. Though the fight wouldn’t happen until UFC 268, Curtis would go over Hawes with a TKO win. He currently holds an unblemished 3-0 record in the UFC with his next two wins. While this fight against Hermansson is a big step up in the competition, it’s also a great opportunity to move up the rankings

Jack Hermansson has been a mainstay at middleweight but he is currently 2-3 in his last five. His most recent loss was suffered by Curtis’ teammate Sean Strickland. Hermansson, ranked 8th, is a tough hitter who has recently fallen under the curse of leaving fights to the judges. With a win tonight against a versatile short-term opponent, he will be able to reclaim his place in the upper echelons of middleweight.

Related: Chris Curtis hilariously shares a Pokémon meme about Curtis Blaydes and Aljamain Sterling

Jack Hermansson beats Chris Curtis by unanimous decision

round 1

The action starts with both fighters trying to find their reach, Curtis with jabs and Jack with gazelle punches. Jack threw two teeps himself at the start, he’s trying to land another one that narrowly misses Curtis’ groin. Hermansson fakes another jump punch, which Curtis doesn’t respond to. Jack mixes it up with body jabs and head kicks mixed in with mock takedown attempts. Hermansson is working hard to add up the damage to Curtis’ leg and affect his movement. Curtis has yet to check one of Hermanssson’s leg kicks. Jack lands another Superman punch, followed by a leg kick that knocks Hermansson off balance. Round 2 ends with Hermansson on the back foot.

round 2

Jack opens with another tee kick that misses the target. Curtis managed to put Hermansson behind, with the American finding more success with his shots. Jack is consistent with his kicks and switches planes quite often with head kicks and body kicks. Every time Curtis tries to close the gap, Jack fires a front kick that puts the American in check. Jack is able to land a right hook that throws the American off balance and hits the cage where Hermansson lands several punches and elbows.

Curtis is able to survive and picks up pressure again, seeming to be constantly missing the point. Jack lands another body kick followed by a left hook as Curtis tries to get close to him. Round 2 ends with Curtis landing a punch to Hermansson’s body.

round 3

Jack opens the round again with a kick, this time to the head, which is partially blocked by Curtis. Curtis has taken his corners’ advice and is increasing the pressure from his side. Jack lands another partial headkicvk that puts Curtis on his backfoot for a moment. Jack works even harder on his leg kicks as he circles the cage. A very kick-heavy offense from Hermansson can neutralize most of Curtis’ offense. As they try to create a break, Jack accidentally lands a kick in Curtis’ groin.

Curtis manages to slowly build his offense at the two-minute mark and even appears to be having success backing up the Swede against the cage. A frustrated Curtis begins to taunt Hermansson for circling around and turning off the bird before the last buzzer