Author: Chandra Moulee Das
The co-main event of UFC Vegas 81 featured an all-Brazilian clash in the women’s flyweight division. Viviane Araujo marked her return to the win column with an impressive three-round performance against Jennifer Maia on Saturday night.
Women’s flyweight: Jennifer MAIA (BRAZIL) – Viviane Araújo (BRAZIL)
Clean sweep on the scorecards for @ViviAraujoMMA
She leaves tonight with a UD victory! #UFCVegas81 pic.twitter.com/cRkMTXGwtV
– UFC (@ufc) October 15, 2023
The opening minutes of the fight were characterized by relative calm, as both fighters opted to keep the action on the feet. Shortly after the two-minute mark, they began to unleash their blows, leading Araujo to initiate a takedown. Although Maia successfully defended herself, she received a solid straight right from Araujo in return. With less than a minute to go in the first round, Maia attempted a takedown, but Araujo quickly turned the tables, pressing Maia against the guard and maintaining control for the rest of the round.
Less than 30 seconds into the second round, Araujo showed his strength by knocking Maia to the canvas. Although Maia struggled to get up, this only gave Araujo the opportunity to grab her back and take her back down to the mat. Araujo kept control of Maia’s back for the rest of the round and managed to secure the rear naked choke she had been diligently seeking.
When the fight potentially entered the third round on equal terms, Maia increased his aggression and began to land substantial blows on Araujo. This caused Araujo to close the distance and engage in a clinch against the guard. Maia soon managed to reverse the position and execute a double leg takedown. Araujo got back to his feet, but left his arm exposed, tempting Maia to grab it and try an armbar. When Maia made his move, Araujo deftly released his arm and passed to side control. Maia repositioned Araujo in his guard and made one last attempt with a desperate triangle choke, but time expired before Maia could pull off a miraculous triumph.
Araujo ended up winning a unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) in the end, breaking a two-fight losing streak and putting her back on the right track.
Women’s bantamweight: Tainara LISBOA (BRAZIL) – Ravena Oliveira (BRAZIL)
All smiles for Tainara Lisboa after this one 😁
She leaves tonight with a UD victory! #UFCVegas81 pic.twitter.com/SzFKskWB7E
– UFC (@ufc) October 14, 2023
Ravena Oliveira, who joined the company in August, faced Tainara Lisboa after Dariya Zheleznyakova withdrew for undisclosed reasons. The 26-year-old Brazilian fighter tried to make a statement against another UFC newcomer, Lisboa, who had a 1-0 record in the UFC.
Coming in as an underdog at short notice, Oliveira struggled for the first ten minutes before finding his rhythm in the third round. She showed competitiveness in the early stages before spending 4:47 seconds of the 5-minute second round on her back.
At that point, it became clear that a stoppage would be necessary for her to achieve victory. Although it didn’t happen, Oliveira executed an impressive takedown and did some effective ground work at the end. All three judges backed Tainara Lisboa by two rounds to one over Ravena Oliveira.
With only ten professional fights under her belt, the 26-year-old Brazilian is expected to show more improvement in her next fights.