mma

Dern beats Hill at UFC Fight Night

Women's straweight fighter Mackenzie Dern defeats Angela Hill at UFC Fight Night

After a five round brawl between the UFC women’s strawweight division, Mackenzie Dern secured a unanimous decision victory (49-43, 49-44, 49-44) at UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas, N.V. on Saturday.

Both fighters came out aggressively in the opening minute of the fight, with Dern locking in a takedown less than 90 seconds in. Dern continued to dominate the round, as a right hand sent Hill to the canvas followed by immediate side control on the ground. Throughout the 25 minute bout, both women were tenacious, but Dern’s effective ground work and striking won her each round in the eyes of the judges.

Anthony Hernandez delivered an impressive victory against Edmen Shahbazyan by TKO at 1:01 of the third round. After he took some shots in the first round, Hernandez was able to pick up the pace entering the second, attacking with takedown and submission attempts. The referee eventually called a stop to the contest after repeated strikes to the face with Shahbazyan on the ground.

Another victory in the women’s strawweight division went to Loopy Godinez, who defeated Emily Ducote via unanimous decision. Although Godinez opened the fight with strong striking combinations, Ducote was able to counter with powerful body shots in the second round. The two fighters traded shots in the final five minutes, with Godinez winning on the judges’ scorecards (30-27, 29-28, 29-28).

Joaquin Buckley made his UFC welterweight debut with an astounding performance against Andre Fialho. After landing a left high kick at 4:15 of the second round and knocking down his opponent, Buckley was declared winner by TKO. “New Mansa” has undoubtedly created a name for himself in this new weight class, making this his 12th win by knockout.

In the main card opener, lightweight Diego Ferreira shocked fight fans by finishing UFC veteran Michael Johnson. At 1:50 of the second round, Ferreira threw a brutal overhand right to send Johnson to the ground, winning him the fight and a performance of the night bonus. After a year away from the octagon and three defeats, this marks Ferreira’s comeback fight as he attempts to land a spot back into the Top 15 rankings.