The former title contender revealed that retirement has been on his mind and while that decision hasn’t been finalized yet, Lamas wanted to leave everything in the cage at UFC Vegas 8.
Consider that mission accomplished as the veteran featherweight engaged in a back-and-forth war with late notice replacement Bill Algeo before ultimately securing a unanimous decision victory. All three judges scored the fight 29-27 with Lamas earning a 10-8 third round to help lead him to victory.
“I feel like I look,” Lamas said with a smile after a brutal battle for 15 minutes. “I just had to pull it out. I was trying [to get the finish]. I was rushing my submissions a little bit.
“I’ve been kind of wrestling with the idea of hanging the gloves up. That’s something I want to talk to my family about first before making a decision.”
Despite spending weeks preparing for an elite grappler in Ryan Hall, Lamas appeared more than ready to make the transition to a taller, longer striker in Algeo, who was ready to trade shots throughout the opening round. There were several fiery exchanges but Lamas was landing the more effective combinations including a number of kicks to the leg as well as power shots to the head.
Just before the horn sounded to close the first round, Algeo cracked Lamas with a blistering series of strikes that seemingly rattled the veteran featherweight.
As the second round started, Lamas began turning to his wrestling but Algeo was able to scramble free from the attempts to drag him to the ground. In return, Algeo took advantage of the close quarters by using elbow strikes and knees to do as much damage as possible.
Perhaps the best strikes of the fight came when Algeo tossed a well-timed knee right up the middle that clobbered Lamas and put him wobbly legs. Because Algeo didn’t recognized just how badly his opponent was hurt, Lamas was able to resist the late onslaught and regain his senses.
With five minutes remaining, Lamas was determined to empty his gas tank while coming after Algeo with incredible ferocity in order to secure the victory. The momentum shifted for Lamas after he was finally able to secure a takedown, which is where he began employing a strong ground attack.
Whether battering Algeo with punches or attempting to lock on a submission, Lamas was pure offense as he poured on the punishment until the final horn sounded.
After going 1-3 in his past four outings, Lamas definitely wanted to get the win and whether he decides to call it a career or not, he proved there’s still plenty of fight left in him with this latest victory.
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