‘The Crank’ absorbs quick loss to UFC newcomer

Frank “The Crank” Camacho, left, faces Justin Jaynes during the weigh-in last Friday for their lightweight bout in the UFC Fight Night 173 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. Also in the photo is Ultimate Fighting Championship president Dana White, center. (Contributed Photo)

Frank “The Crank” Camacho’s last-minute opponent proved to be a quick finisher.

Justin Jaynes, who replaced Matt “The Steamrolla” Frevola in the fight card three days before the UFC Fight Night 173 unfurled at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada, handed Camacho a beating just 41 seconds into their lightweight bout yesterday. Jaynes unleashed a flurry of punches with the deadliest one, a big right that hit Camacho’s left temple and forced referee Herb Dean to intervene, as the Marianas pride was visibly shaken, but tried to keep his balance while he appeared to be still going after his foe. However, Dean waved off Camacho, giving Jaynes a rousing UFC debut win.

The victory was the fifth in a row for Jaynes and third straight TKO, while Camacho absorbed back-to-back losses and dropped to 2-5 at UFC and 22-9 overall. The 30-year-old Jaynes improved to 16-4 and gained his eighth victory via TKO.

A known slugger, Jaynes went after Camacho right at the opening buzzer, but the latter seemed ready and counter-punched. After a brief exchange, Camacho backpedaled, while Jaynes remained aggressive and his solid left upper cut hit the Team Oyama standout on the chin. Camacho retreated to the fence, while Jaynes continued to pursue him and connected a couple more left hooks before going for the killer punch that had Camacho nearly falling to his right. Camacho then dodged two more punches from Jaynes, but appeared wobbly, and as he tried to keep his ground and fight back, the third man on the ring pulled Jaynes away, signaling the end of the bout.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Frank “The Crank” Camacho, left, is hit by Justin Jaynes during the opening minutes of their lightweight bout in the UFC Fight Night 173 yesterday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Contributed Photo)

Some MMA pundits claimed Dean pulled the plug on Camacho early, while the ever-humble Marianas warrior accepted his fate.

“Hats off to my opponent for the amazing win. I am beyond sad for this loss, I did not put on the performance I wanted and trained for,” said Camacho in his social media post after the defeat.

“I am thankful for the experience to fight again. I have so much gratitude to the people who supported me in this fight. I am looking forward to getting back there, unlocking and seeing what I can do better, staying positive, and moving forward,” said the 31-year-old fighter, who sustained bumps on his lower right eye and chin.

Last weekend’s bout was the first in Camacho’s new four-fight deal with UFC. He was supposed to have his season-opener in April against Brazil’s Alan Patrick “Nuguette” Silva Alves in Nebraska, but the event was shelved due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Then last month, Camacho was put in the fight card for the Las Vegas event with Frevola as his opponent. However, Frevola was eventually taken out of the competition, as his cornerman tested positive for COVID-19. Jaynes took Frevola’s spot and delivered in his UFC debut despite the short notice.