UFC on ESPN 71 – Rinya Nakamura vs Nathan Fletcher – Full Fight Replay Available Today

A devastating liver kick brought a sudden end to the bantamweight clash between Rinya Nakamura and Nathan Fletcher at UFC on ESPN 71 on August 2, 2025. In just over a minute of action, Nakamura showed why his striking is becoming just as dangerous as his wrestling pedigree, seizing the perfect opening early in the fight.

During the opening exchange, Fletcher attempted to control range with kicks and footwork, but Nakamura’s movement and timing quickly began to dictate the pace. Circling smoothly, the Japanese fighter baited Fletcher into committing and found his moment with a clean, thudding kick to the body that instantly folded his opponent.

As Fletcher dropped to the canvas in pain, Nakamura wasted no time following him to the ground. He unleashed a rapid series of punches that forced the referee to step in at 1:02 of round one, giving Nakamura a highlight-reel TKO victory and one of the fastest finishes on the card.

For Fletcher, who had hoped to showcase his grappling and submission skills, the fight never left the striking phase. He was unable to close distance or impose any of his trademark ground threats, leaving him vulnerable in a contest that ended before his strategy could develop.

With this emphatic win, Nakamura bounced back from his previous loss and improved to 10–1, demonstrating the kind of finishing instinct that makes him a serious contender at bantamweight. It was a short but memorable performance that solidified his status as one of the division’s brightest prospects.