Weekend Review: Baraou and Garcia Win

Abass Baraou delivered the most important German result of the combat sports weekend in California. The former WBA champion defeated Giovani Santillan by majority decision to win the vacant WBO Intercontinental super welterweight title. In Las Vegas, Ryan Garcia retained his WBC welterweight belt by stopping Conor Benn in the second round.

In MMA, Jean Silva came from behind to submit Jose Miguel Delgado in the Noche UFC main event. Jonas Mågård stopped Radek Roušal at OKTAGON 93, where three German fighters earned victories. Razhabali Shaidulloev unified two titles at Super RIZIN.5, while Nadaka Yoshinari passed his kickboxing debut at ONE SAMURAI 3.

Baraou wins in Santillan's backyard

Baraou won the ten-round contest in Oceanside, California, by scores of 97-93 and 96-94, with the third judge scoring it 95-95. The German improved to 18-2 and returned to winning form after his narrow title defeat by Xander Zayas.

The WBO Intercontinental belt does not replace the world title Baraou lost, but it restores useful momentum in a crowded super welterweight division. The setting added weight to the result: Baraou beat the hometown fighter, maintained the higher work rate and controlled the closing stretch.

Garcia finishes Benn early

Ryan Garcia gave Conor Benn little time to settle in Las Vegas. The WBC champion imposed his speed and power early and forced the stoppage in round two. Garcia retained his welterweight title and improved his professional record to 26-2.

Benn's first world-title opportunity ended decisively. Garcia's quick victory, meanwhile, strengthens his position for another major fight and keeps him at the center of Zuffa Boxing's expansion.

Silva turns around the main event

Jean Silva had to recover from an early setback against Jose Miguel Delgado. A right hand dropped him in the opening round. Silva increased the pressure, knocked Delgado down in the third and used his opponent's wrestling reaction to secure a rear-naked choke at 2:57.

Silva has now won seven of eight UFC appearances, with six finishes. Brandon Moreno ended a two-fight skid by taking a split decision over Joseph Morales. Alexa Grasso also re-entered the flyweight title conversation with a unanimous decision over Manon Fiorot.

Three German wins at OKTAGON

The six fighters with German links went 3-3 at OKTAGON 93. Kennedy Rayomba and Ali Gündüz won decisions, while Robert Lau stopped Vojtěch Garba 51 seconds into round two. Maurice Adorf, Berkan Badur and Dustin Rabiega lost their bouts.

In the main event, Jonas Mågård submitted Radek Roušal 35 seconds into the third round. Mågård moved up to featherweight for the matchup and immediately placed himself near the top of his new division. CS.C has covered the full card in Mågård submits Roušal at OKTAGON 93.

Shaidulloev unifies, Nadaka delivers

Razhabali Shaidulloev defeated A.J. McKee by unanimous decision in the Super RIZIN.5 main event, winning all three scorecards 30-27 and unifying the RIZIN and PFL featherweight titles. McKee landed an early left hook, but Shaidulloev took control through wrestling and sustained control. Kyoma Akimoto is expected to challenge him on New Year's Eve.

At ONE SAMURAI 3, Nadaka Yoshinari extended his winning streak under a new ruleset. The Muay Thai champion defeated Har Ling Om by unanimous decision in his kickboxing debut. Yuya Wakamatsu stopped Willie van Rooyen in round two, while Shimon Yoshinari knocked out Suablack in the same round.

What the weekend leaves behind

Baraou's road win carries the greatest weight from a German perspective. He passed his first test after losing the unification bout and holds an international title again. Garcia and Silva produced the standout finishes on the major U.S. cards, while Mågård, Shaidulloev and Nadaka reinforced their positions through very different kinds of wins.