UFC on ESPN 8 rookie report: Grading the newcomers in Jacksonville

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 on ESPN 8 event marked that special moment in their career.

Check out this week’s rookie report to see what kind of first impression they made on the sport’s biggest stage from VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla.

* * * * *

Rodrigo Nascimento

Division: Heavyweight
Result: Rodrigo Nascimento def. Don’Tale Mayes via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 2:05
Record: (8-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC)
Grade: B+

Confident and composed, Rodrigo Nascimento stepped into the octagon for his UFC debut like a man making his fifth or sixth appearance in the cage, and he produced a performance to match as he outstruck, then outgrappled, Don’Tale Mayes to claim an impressive first win as a UFC athlete.

Nascimento made his intentions clear from the very start of his UFC debut as he charged to the center of the cage and started to engage with Mayes from the get-go. Nascimento looked strong in the clinch, but also showed he’s not a one-trick pony by connecting with some solid punches in the stand-up.

Nascimento eventually dragged his man to the canvas and immediately took control, but Mayes did enough off his back to keep the Brazilian at bay and survive the round. However, Nascimento’s finish to Round 1 offered a glimpse of what was to come in Round 2.

Once again, Nascimento came out fast and aggressive as he connected with a big right hand, then an eye-catching head-kick that had Mayes backing up. The Brazilian then locked up the clinch with his back against the cage and, despite taking some solid body shots from Mayes, soon swept his man to the mat.

With the action back on the canvas, Nascimento instantly transitioned to Mayes’ back and locked up the rear-naked choke as he forced a quick tap from Mayes and secured a very impressive debut victory.

There’s room for improvement, too. He’s perhaps a little too static and upright in his striking and stood and admired his work a little, rather than following up on his best shots, but overall Nascimento produced a performance of great promise on his debut. If he continues to evolve his striking game, he could become a dangerous new presence in the UFC’s heaviest weight class.