UFC 297 video: Sam Patterson squeezes Yohan Lainesse into submission

Sam Patterson’s UFC debut didn’t go as he planned, but his second opportunity was more in line with his blueprint.

On the prelims of UFC 297, Patterson (11-2-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC) made quick work of fellow welterweight Yohan Lainesse (9-3 MMA, 1-3 UFC) with a rear-naked choke submission at 2:03 of Round 1.

First submission win for Sam Patterson in the UFC #UFC297 is LIVE NOW on @ESPNPlus pic.twitter.com/xFsDjrW5Do

— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) January 21, 2024

In what was his divisional debut, Patterson was patient on the feet. He grabbed hold of a front headlock on Lainesse before dragging it to the canvas. On the mat, Patterson worked to the back and eventually sunk in a rear-naked choke. Lainesse strained and strained – and eventually tapped.

Patterson, 27, was a standout prospect who earned his UFC shot through “Dana White’s Contender Series.” However, his UFC debut (which was at lightweight) ended with a brutal knockout defeat at the hands of Yanal Ashmouz.

According to the broadcast, Lainesse fought out his contract at UFC 297. He went 1-3 during that time, with three stoppage losses.

Up-to-the-minute UFC 297 results include:

• Sam Patterson def. Yohan Lainesse via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 2:03
• Jasmine Jasudavicius def. Priscila Cachoeira via submission (anaconda choke) – Round 3, 4:21
• Jimmy Flick def. Malcolm Gordon via submission (arm-triangle choke) – Round 2, 1:17

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 297.