UFC 245 rookie report: Grading the newcomers in Las Vegas

Fighters from around the globe dream of the day they’ll step into the UFC octagon for the first time. For two athletes, Saturday’s UFC 245 event marked that special moment in their career.

Check out this week’s rookie report to see what kind of first impression those fighters made on the sport’s biggest stage from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

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Punahele Soriano

Division: Middleweight
Result: Punahele Soriano def. Oskar Piechota via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 3:17
Record: (7-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC)
Grade: A

Punahele Soriano was heavily hyped before his appearance on “Dana White’s Contender Series,” and his official UFC debut proved why. The Hawaiian’s heavy hands were on full display, wobbling and dropping Oskar Piechota in the early going and nearly finishing the contest with the first real flurry. If there was any criticism to make of Soriano, it was with what came next: He followed to the canvas, initially looking to strike before trying to finish the fight with his grappling. Against some opponents, that will be fine, but the choice gave Piechota his only real chance to turn the tide, and he nearly did, first attacking the arm before briefly looking for the guillotine.

Ultimately, Soriano pulled free, and his corner implored for him to breathe, with the quick pace clearly taking a toll early on. It didn’t matter much, though, as Soriano resumed his striking attack shortly after and landed a perfect left to the chin that sent Piechota crashing to the canvas.

Soriano later admitted to dealing with the dreaded octagon jitters, which helps explain the adrenaline dump and the early signs of fatigue. A little more seasoning, and Soriano will certainly find himself telling future opponents to stand back and face his fists when they refuse to go away on the floor. Undefeated and just entering his athletic prime, Soriano is certainly one to watch moving forward.