Ketlen Vieira Takes Split Decision Over Holly Holm at UFC Fight Night 206

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.

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.

Related » UFC Fight Night 206 Round-by-Round Scoring

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.

Related » UFC Fight Night 206 Prelims: Holmes Submits Amedovski

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