Gunnar Nelson dominates on the mat and armbar taps Bryan Barberena late in Round 1

After a year away from the octagon, UFC welterweight Gunnar Nelson returned to remind everyone of his outstanding grappling skills.

On the main card of UFC 286, Nelson (19-5-1 MMA, 10-5 UFC) entered the cage at The O2 in London to take on Bryan Barberena (18-10 MMA, 9-8 UFC). It was a nearly flawless performance for Nelson, who secured the win at 4:51 of the first round with a beautiful armbar.

Nelson’s broad karate stance made Barberena a bit reluctant to get into the fight early, but landed a couple of solid leg kicks. Seeing his opening to close the gap, Nelson got into the clinch and took the fight to the ground.

From then on it was a clinic on the mat.

Nelson threatened a series of submissions, including a straight armlock, an americana, a kimura, and an arm triangle choke – all while slowly transitioning into the full mount.

After sneaking in a few short elbows in dominant position, Nelson established an armbar as time was running out on the round. The submission was complete and it didn’t take long for Barberena to type.

Nelson entered Saturday’s competition a year after a unanimous decision win over Takashi Sato. Eight of Nelson’s 10 wins in the UFC have come from submissions.

Barberena drops his second episode by submission. In his last appearance in December, former lightweight champion Rafael dos subdued Anjos Barberena with a rear naked choke. This loss earned “Bam Bam” a three-fight win streak.

Recent UFC 286 results include:

• Gunnar Nelson defeated. Bryan Barberena via submission (armbar) – Round 1, 4:51

• Defeated Jennifer Maia. Casey O’Neill by unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

• Marvin Vettori defeated. Roman Dolidze by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

• Jack Shore defeated. Makwan Amirkhani via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 4:27

• Chris Duncan defeated. Omar Morales by split decision (27-30, 29-28, 29-28)

• Yanal Ashmoz defeated. Sam Patterson via KO (punches) – Round 1, 1:15

• Muhammad Mokaev defeated. Jafel Filho via submission (rear naked choke) – Round 3, 4:32

• Defeated Lerone Murphy. Gabriel Santos via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

• Christian Duncan defeated. Dusko Todorovic via TKO (injury) – Round 1, 1:52

• Jake Hadley defeated. Malcolm Gordon via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 1:01

• Joanne Wood defeated. Luana Carolina by split decision (28-29, 30-27, 29-28)

• Jai Herbert vs. Ludovit Klein declared majority tie (29-27, 28-28, 28-28)

• Defeated Veronica Hardy. Juliana Miller by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 286 for more information on the card.

Story originally appeared on MMA Junkie