Montes earns first UFC win with a brutal anaconda choke as Turcios falls in Round .
The featherweight fight between Ricky Turcios and Alberto Montes at UFC 326 in Las Vegas delivered a dramatic finish. After a competitive opening round, the fight ended suddenly in the second round when Alberto Montes locked in a powerful anaconda choke that put Turcios to sleep.
The submission victory gave Montes his first win in the UFC and improved his professional MMA record to 11-1, while Turcios dropped to 13-5 in his career.
Fight Result: Turcios vs Montes
| Fighter | Result | Method | Round | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alberto Montes | Win | Submission (Anaconda Choke) | Round 2 | 0:40 |
| Ricky Turcios | Loss | Submitted | Round 2 | 0:40 |
The bout ended less than a minute into the second round after Montes quickly capitalized on a grappling exchange.
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How the Fight Unfolded
Competitive Opening Round
The first round was relatively competitive, with both fighters testing each other in striking and positioning. Turcios attempted to control the pace with movement and pressure, while Montes looked for opportunities to engage in grappling exchanges.
Neither fighter dominated the round clearly, but the action set up a decisive moment early in the second round.
Sudden Finish in Round Two
Early in the second round, Turcios attempted a takedown to gain control on the ground. However, the move backfired quickly.
Montes reacted perfectly:
- He defended the takedown attempt with a strong sprawl.
- Immediately threaded his arm under Turcios’ chin.
- Locked in a tight anaconda choke submission.
Within seconds, Turcios lost consciousness from the chokehold, forcing the referee to stop the fight at 0:40 of Round 2.
The quick finish stunned the crowd and secured a memorable victory for Montes.
Fighter Profile: Ricky Turcios
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Nationality | United States |
| Division | Bantamweight / Featherweight |
| Height | 1.75 m |
| Weight | 66 kg |
| Reach | 1.8 m |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Team | Gracie Barra Woodlands |
| Record | 13 Wins – 5 Losses |
Turcios is known for his aggressive style and high-paced fights. The American fighter often mixes striking with grappling and has competed against several strong opponents in the UFC bantamweight division.
Ricky Turcios Recent Fight History
| Date | Opponent | Result | Method | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 19, 2025 | B. Sopaj | Loss | Decision | UFC 311 |
| Jun 9, 2024 | Raul Rosas Jr. | Loss | Submission | UFC Fight Night |
| Nov 19, 2022 | Kevin Natividad | Win | Split Decision | UFC Fight Night |
| Jul 10, 2022 | Aiemann Zahabi | Loss | Decision | UFC Fight Night |
| Aug 29, 2021 | Brady Hiestand | Win | Split Decision | UFC Fight Night |
The latest defeat at UFC 326 adds another tough result to Turcios’ recent run inside the Octagon.
Alberto Montes Makes a Statement
The victory marks an important milestone for Alberto Montes, who successfully earned his first win in the UFC. Known for his grappling skills and submission threats, Montes showcased his strength with the perfectly executed anaconda choke.
With this performance, Montes proved he can be a dangerous contender in the division, especially when fights move to the mat.
The loss is a setback for Turcios, but his experience and fighting style still make him a dangerous competitor in the division. Turcios has shown durability and creativity in previous fights, and he will likely look to bounce back in his next UFC appearance.
Improving takedown setups and defensive grappling could become key areas of focus moving forward.
The fight between Ricky Turcios and Alberto Montes at UFC 326 ended in dramatic fashion. What started as a competitive matchup quickly turned into a decisive submission victory for Montes, who used a perfectly timed anaconda choke to secure the win.
For Montes, the victory represents a strong start to his UFC career. For Turcios, the fight serves as another learning moment in a highly competitive division where every mistake can end a fight instantly.
