Sign up for ESPN+ right here, and you
can then stream UFC Fight Night 206 “Holm vs. Vieira” live on your
smart TV, computer, phone, tablet or streaming device via the ESPN
app.
The main event of
UFC Fight Night 206 proved that Ketlen
Vieira is a contender at bantamweight.
Advertisement
It wasn’t easy for the Brazilian as Holly Holm
put on a tough, veteran performance. The former
Ultimate Fighting Championship women’s bantamweight champion
was able to keep it standing despite a few attempts from Vieira
(13-2) to get the fight to the ground. The closest moment to a
finish came on the feet when Vieira latched on a standing
rear-naked choke that almost forced Holm (14-6) to tap.
How did Holly escape this
#UFCVegas55 pic.twitter.com/HLUrWcr83D— UFC (@ufc)
May 22, 2022
While Holm was largely able to control striking exchanges from the
clinch in Round 3, it was Vieira that landed the hardest shot as
she stunned the veteran with a clean punch. The fourth round would
see “The Preacher’s Daughter” mix her output up more and find
success with a variety of kicks including a body kick that knocked
the Brazilian down. Vieira would land a standing elbow early in the
final frame but the former champ landed a front kick to the face
shortly afterward in response and Holm took over with clinchwork as
the fight came to an end.
Despite Holm’s late surge, the judges ultimately awarded the fight
to Vieira via split nod with scores of 47-48, 48-47 and 48-47.
Pereira Gets Past Ponzinibbio in Barnburner
The co-main event of Michel
Pereira vs. Santiago
Ponzinibbio delivered the fireworks that many expected from the
welterweight encounter even if it didn’t end in a thrilling
finish.
The opening round saw both men have their moments but it was
Pereira (28-11, 2 NC) that demonstrated he was the quicker fighter.
The pace was amped up even more in the second frame with
Ponzinibbio (28-6) finding his mark more often and even landing a
takedown to mix things up. While Pereira had shown stamina issues
in the past, the Brazilian found his second wind and didn’t slow
down into the final round, which saw both men swinging wildly and
tagging each other. Ultimately, a majority of judges preferred the
power punches of Pereira, who took a split decision with scores of
29-28, 30-27 and 28-29.
“Demolidor” is now on a five-fight win streak.
Njokuani Elbow KOs Todorovic
Chidi
Njokuani picked up another statement win inside the
Octagon.
Njokuani (22-7, 1 NC) came out like a man looking for a highlight
finish. While an early brabo choke on Dusko
Todorovic didn’t pan out, “Chidi Bang Bang” would eventually land a perfectly timed elbow.
Todorovic (11-2) was unable to continue and the fight was waved off
at 4:48 of Round 1.
Njokuani is now 2-0 inside the UFC.
Ricci Outgrapples Viana
Tabatha
Ricci‘s grappling proved to be too much for Polyana
Viana.
The two strawweights went back and forth on Saturday night,
although each round was highlighted by successful takedowns by
Ricci (7-1). While Viana (12-5) didn’t take much damage, she had
little success off her back and was easily controlled by “Baby
Shark.” All three judges saw the fight 29-28 for Ricci.
Ricci is now 2-1 inside the Octagon.
Park Edges Anders
The opening bout of the main card saw middleweight veterans
Jun
Yong Park and Eryk Anders
battle for 15 minutes.
The fight was primarily contested on the feet with both fighters
stunning each other on occasions. Anders (14-7, 1 NC) went for over
20 takedown attempts that didn’t amount to much as the majority
were stuffed and the few that were successful were counteracted
moments later. The opening rounds saw “Ya Boi” generally be the
more aggressive fighter as Park (14-5) looked to react to what his
foe was doing. Park’s best moments came in the third round as
Anders slowed down, which proved to be crucial as Park hurt the
American several times. The judges gave a split verdict with two
29-28 scorecards in favor of Park, while the other saw it 29-28
Anders.
Park has now won four of his last five fights.
Continue Reading »
UFC Fight Night 206 Prelims: Hooper Shows Improvements Against
Colares