PHILADELPHIA – Few combat sports homecomings had the level of drama that Jeremiah Wells experienced Saturday at UFC 330 at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
His opponent Myktybek Orolbai seemed to be on the verge of a breakthrough moment, dominating social media numbers throughout the week, with a strong Kyrgyzstan fanbase seeming ready to lay claim to a megastar. However, Wells (14-4-1 MMA, 6-2 UFC) had other plans.
If one didn't know better, they'd think from the ovations that the opening prelim was taking place in Kyrgyzstan. Orolbai (16-3-1 MMA, 5-2 UFC) was thunderously cheered. The home-area fighter, Wells? He was greeted with some boos – mostly from the vocal Kyrgyz in the crowd.
For two rounds, things seemed to be going according to plan. The heavy favorite Orolbai dominated the grappling, slowly beating down Wells with ground-and-pound. But Wells showed glimpses of success, mainly with his boxing.
Down two rounds to three entering the third, Wells solidified his place in UFC lore for the special moment as he caught Orolbai with a punch – and then put him to sleep with a rare standing ninja choke. The Xfinity Mobile Arena was now unequivocally on his side as the venue erupted. The stoppage came at 1:24 of Round 3.
JEREMIAH WELLS CHOKES ORALBAI TO SLEEP
— UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) August 15, 2026
📺 #UFC330 on @paramountpluspic.twitter.com/JwznvaNmBr
With the win, Wells wins his second fight in a row. The 39-year-old voiced uncertainty about his UFC future, taking off one glove and laying it in the center of the cage. Orolbai has a three-fight winning streak snapped.
Up-to-the-minute UFC 330 results include:
- Jeremiah Wells def. Myktybek Orolbai via submission (ninja choke) – Round 3, 1:24
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC 330 video: Jeremiah Wells sleeps Myktybek Orolbai in electrifying shocker