Weekly Newsletter: Kris Moutinho books first UFC fight after Sean O'Malley loss, faces Aaron Phillips this October
MMAJunkie's Nolan King and Farah Hannoun report Moutinho's second booked fight.
The Big Story.
Milford, Mass. native Kris Moutinho won the hearts of the MMA community after enduring over 177 punches to the face in his debut against Sean O’Malley in the main card of Poirer V. Mcgregor 3. In the bout, O’malley placed in the top 5 of 4 separate UFC records: Striking Differential (160) Significant Strikes Landed (230) Distant Strikes Landed (228) and Significant Head Strikes Landed (177). Despite this, Moutinho remained on his feet for the three rounds, referee Herb Dean stopping the fight with just 27 seconds remaining.
This news comes as a pleasant surprise to many, including myself, who have been watching Moutinho’s career with interest. King noted that the two sources who informed MMAJunkie of Moutinho’s matchup chose to remain anonymous, as the promotion is yet to issue an official statement on the matchup. Moutinho (9-5) is reported to face Louisiana’s Aaron Phillips (12-4) in UFC Fight Night 196 on Oct. 23, 2021. Phillips, who is 0-3 in the UFC, is returning to the promotion after a five-year stint competing for the WFC in Louisiana. He lost his last UFC bout to Jack Shore via second-round Rear Naked Choke, and his previous two to Matt Hobar and Sam Sicilia via Unanimous Decision.
Staying On Top.
Along the same vein, King also interviewed Moutinho about his reputation building debut and his upcoming fight with Phillips. Moutinho wasn’t content with the reputation his debut built, however, not wanting to be known as “just a punching bag”. And with his second fight just two months apart from his first, it’s clear that he’s willing to prove it by any means necessary. According to Moutinho, he sustained minimal injures from his bout with O’Malley and sees no reason to turn down the fight, citing consistent training and a willingness to get back in the octagon.
While he is glad that the fans enjoyed his performance, Moutinho describes his fight with O’Malley as “unwatchable”. He doesn’t want to be known as “the guy who just takes ass whoopings”. Moutinho promises a show to the fans on Oct. 23- and, hopefully, a win against Phillips.
Snapshots
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The UFC President revealed that he sent Kattar to the hospital immediately after the end of the record-breaking mauling he received from Max Holloway.
Lion Fight 69 Results
Jamaica Plain, Mass. native Steve Walker defended his LFNA Super Cruiserweight title against Warren Thompson, defeating him via 4th Round T.K.O.
Marcus Davis Returning After 6+ Years Absence, Faces Nick Alley at Premier FC 31.
UFC and Bellator veteran Marcus Davis will be facing Nick Alley in the Welterweight Main Event of Premier FC 31 in Springfield, Mass.
What’s Missing
Oct. 23 will be dangerous waters for both men, but moreso for Phillips. He doesn’t have quite the amount of hype behind him that Moutinho does, and a fourth straight loss could mean the end of his career in the UFC, particularly after a five-year absence. While the stakes aren’t quite as high for Moutinho, he’s made it clear he’s fighting to get out of the shadow of his debut. While a step down from the elite striking level of O’Malley, Phillips still boasts a 4th-Degree black belt in Taekwondo and a more impressive record.
Moutinho, though he has an extensive wrestling & BJJ background, has carved out a reputation for trading on the feet, though a lack of head movement and blocking has caused him to eat shots to the head in the past. He’s claimed to be working on his head movement in camp, so we’ll have to see if his defense improves. Phillips excels in headkicks and long-range striking, meaning Moutinho will have to get himself off the center line or risk taking more shots to the head that he can’t afford.
On that note, there are concerns about the meager two-month period between fights and Moutinho’s health, having absorbed over 177 punches to the head. While Moutinho has claimed to be in fine health, the damage done to his brain could only mount with such little time between figthts. MMA fighters, like any other combat sport practitioners, run the risk of CTE from head trauma. And when you’re setting records for how many shots to the head you’ve taken in a single bout, the concern is warranted.