In a remarkable display of grappling prowess, Myktybek Orolbai defeated Chris Curtis by unanimous decision at UFC Vegas 114, held on March 14, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The judges scored the bout 30-27 across the board, underscoring Orolbai’s dominance throughout the fight.
Orolbai’s performance was historic, as he recorded 19 takedowns, the most ever in a UFC welterweight contest. His ability to control the fight was evident, with Curtis unable to escape Orolbai’s grip for much of the match, resulting in over 12 minutes of control time for the victor.
This victory marks Orolbai’s third consecutive win, improving his UFC record to 5-1. In contrast, Curtis has struggled recently, suffering losses in three of his last four outings, raising questions about his future in the sport.
Orolbai’s strategy was clear from the outset; he came out aggressively, landing a front kick to the body and a partially connected high kick. His relentless approach kept Curtis on the defensive, unable to mount any significant offense.
Following the fight, Curtis expressed his disappointment, stating, “Well, that was as fun as a wet fart in church. Sorry guys. Physical therapy went well. My knee held up. I had a great camp. No excuses. Just a sh*t night and a sh*t fight. Man had really good grip strength, and it’s incredibly hard to fight a man that has no intention of being in a fight. Got some thinking to do and some stuff to figure out. But I walked out with no physical damage at all, just my pride really hurt. Thanks for the love and support. We’ll see where we go from here. #NOTDEADYET.”
As Orolbai continues his ascent in the welterweight division, his performance at UFC Vegas 114 has set a new benchmark for future competitors. The implications of this fight may resonate throughout the division, as fighters take note of Orolbai’s effective grappling techniques.
With Orolbai now 3-0 in the welterweight category, his next steps in the UFC will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. Meanwhile, Curtis will need to reassess his strategy and training to regain his footing in the competitive landscape of mixed martial arts.
