Maki Pitolo vs. Julian Marquez play-by-play results and video highlights from UFC 258 on Saturday, Feb. 13.
Watch our live fight companion for Pitolo vs. Marquez below:
Maki Pitolo vs. Julian Marquez play-by-play
Round one
Maki Pitolo comes out swinging and lands a couple of heavy punches to start the round. Marquez now backed to the cage. Pitolo pushing Marquez and then slams a heavy left elbow to the head of Marquez. A series of heavy hooks and then a takedown leaves Marquez flat on the mat. Pitolo is overwhelming Marquez so far in these first 70 seconds.
Pitolo controlling Marquez. Marquez almost gives up his neck but Pitolo doesn’t jump at the chance to submit him. He stays in half guard and is landing heavy punches from the top. Marquez back to his feet. Pitolo still controlling him, though. Marquez has been in full defensive mode so far.
Pitolo with occasional knees, stomps, punches, from the clinch as Marquez is pinned standing with his back to the cage. Pitolo separates and Marquez connects with two big hooks to the face.
The Body Lock scores round one for Pitolo (10-9)
Round two
Marquez looking better this round. Takes control of the center of the Octagon and is now controlling the action. Long punches are landing for him. Pitolo still looking dangerous and closing the distance to land heavy punches at close range. A kick to the Pitolo’s groin pauses the action. They’re back and Pitolo comes out and gains control of Marquez again after a slip. Takes the back of Marquez now, takes him down and Marquez crawling back to his feet. Pitolo gets desperate with a poor takedown attempt and dives straight into a guillotine from Marquez. Marquez twisting and cranking the guillotine now but Pitolo escapes. Lands in turtle and Marquez is raining down heavy strikes from above. Pitolo waiting for his chance to explode up and scoots out the back. He’s on top now, and Marquez is underneath in half guard. Pitolo slides into mount now and has Marquez pinned to the mat. Plenty of body punches from Pitolo in top position. Marquez survives the round.
The Body Lock scores round two for Pitolo (10-9)
Round three
Marquez comes out wild to start round three. He’s going for the finish. Pitolo moving around the outside. Marquez misses with a series of wild hooks. A big right-hand lands for Marquez but Pitolo catches Marquez and he falls to one knee. Marquez marching toward Pitolo now. Left body kick seemingly lands on the cup of Pitolo and Marquez keeps the pressure on him. Pitolo folds over and Marquez keeps the punches coming. Marquez attempts a takedown and slips, leaving Pitolo on top. Pitolo now has one hook in and is attempting to dig his arm under Marquez’s chin. He’s got it clamped up but Marquez escapes. He’s back to his feet. Now Marquez has a chance to take Pitolo’s back. They’re back up and Pitolo advancing. Working on a single-leg. Marquez stuffs and shoves Pitolo away. They’re both tired. Pitolo with a trip attempt. They remain standing and Pitolo is now pressing Marquez to the cage. Marquez turns and starts unloading heavy punches. Clinches the head and drives a huge knee into Pitolo’s head. Pitolo falls and Marquez jumps on the opportunity to secure an anaconda choke. Crazy comeback.
Pitolo was so close to finishing this fight but just coudldn’t do it. Marquez with a big comeback win.
Julian Marquez def. Maki Pitolo via submission (anaconda choke) – R3, 4:17
Hey Jake–
Did you notice that Pitolo’s corner man was going ballistic by the way Maki approached the 3rd round and according to the broadcast, was so fed up he actually left the cage area during or right after the fight. This is a story man but no-one seems to be reporting it.
Thanks for the comment! I didn’t notice this as the fight was taking place, but will look into it! Thanks.