Cody Durden wasn’t even competing at UFC Vegas 97 this time last week but he made the most of his opportunity on four days’ notice after tapping out Matt Schnell with a nasty ninja choke in the second round.
Following a fiery first round where the veteran flyweights, who were competing at bantamweight on Saturday, were trading huge bombs, Durden took advantage of a mistake from Schnell to set up his submission. As soon as Durden saw the opening to grab the head, he wrapped his arms around to secure the rare choke and he fell to the ground to secure his position.
Despite his best effort to twist free, Schnell had no choice but to tap out from the tremendous pressure being applied by Durden. The end came at just 29 seconds into the second round.
“Without risk there’s no reward,” Durden said following the win. “Four day notice. I backed it up. I love the UFC and I’m grateful and I’m thankful to get in here tonight.”
Following the loss, Schnell removed his gloves and laid them down in the center of the canvas — a symbol that he’s retiring — before leaving the cage. If this is the end for him, Schnell retires with a 16-9 record with one no contest with a career dating back to 2012 with nearly eight years spent in the UFC.
As for Durden, it was an impressive showing especially after taking the fight off two straight losses and obviously doing everything possible to avoid a third in a row. Durden didn’t fight safe, however, as he came out guns blazing and ready to exchange with Schnell from the opening seconds of the fight.
The back and forth war saw both fighters land some solid shots but Durden showed off his grappling skills in the second when he saw that opening for the ninja choke. Once he had the submission secured, Durden knew he had the fight wrapped up as he gets back on track and moves to 5-2 over his past seven fights.
