Overview
- Lance Stephenson forced Michael Beasley to tap to a rear-naked choke about 65 seconds into the first round on Saturday in a Brand Risk 14 MMA bout at the UFC Apex.
- The fight turned after an early exchange when Stephenson closed distance, secured a body-lock takedown, escaped a loose guillotine attempt by Beasley, took his back and locked in the choke.
- Video of Beasley learning rear-naked choke technique from UFC featherweight Jordan Leavitt at the UFC Performance Institute circulated before the fight and drew heavy online criticism for the timing and quality of his preparation.
- Both fighters appeared friendly after the bout with Beasley noting that practice is different from a real choke and the pair traded jokes about potentially settling the rivalry in boxing next.
- The matchup was streamed across multiple platforms for Adin Ross’ Brand Risk promotion and the viral training and finish have renewed questions about fighter safety, matchmaking standards and the influence of social-media promotions on combat sports.