Darrius Flowers TKOs Injured Lando Vannata at UFC Vegas 115

Flowers earns first UFC win after slamming out of Vannata's choke attempt in the opening round.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 11:19pm

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In the lightweight matchup at UFC Vegas 115, Darrius Flowers (13-8-1 MMA, 1-3 UFC) defeated Lando Vannata (12-8-2 MMA, 4-8-2 UFC) by TKO in the second round after Vannata appeared to suffer an injury. Flowers slammed his way out of a choke attempt in the first round, and then in the second round, he dragged Vannata to the ground and pounded him with punches until the referee stopped the fight.

Why it matters

This fight marked the returns of both Flowers and Vannata to the Octagon after multi-year layoffs. Flowers was winless in his first three UFC appearances, so this victory represents an important milestone in his UFC career as he looks to build momentum.

The details

In the first round, Vannata attempted to submit Flowers with a choke, but Flowers was able to slam his way out of it. At the start of the second round, Vannata threw some kicks but then Flowers was able to drag him to the ground. It was clear Vannata was in pain, and Flowers capitalized by pounding him with punches until the referee stopped the fight at the 0:52 mark of the second round.

  • The fight took place on Saturday, April 4, 2026 at UFC Fight Night 272 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The players

Darrius Flowers

A lightweight fighter competing in his fourth UFC bout, looking to earn his first victory in the promotion.

Lando Vannata

A veteran lightweight fighter making his return to the UFC after a multi-year layoff.

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What they’re saying

“I bust my ass this time. Shout out to the UFC. Shout to Sean Shelby for bringing me back, because they know I got the talent. I've been in the UFC for four years and this is my first win.”

— Darrius Flowers

The takeaway

This fight highlighted the challenges that both Flowers and Vannata have faced in their UFC careers, with Flowers finally earning his first Octagon victory after a long winless streak. The injury to Vannata also raises questions about his future in the promotion as he looks to regain his footing after a multi-year absence.