Cláudia Gadelha beats Angela Hill on points at UFC Overeem x Harris

C. Gadelha (left) defeated A. Hill (right) in a split decision by the judges. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ufc_brasil

The Brazilian Claudia Gadelha didn't have an easy time in the co-main fight of the UFC Overeem vs. Harris. In the confrontation against Angela Hill, held this Saturday (16), in Jacksonville, the Mossoroense found a dangerous opponent and willing to sell the defeat dearly. After three very even rounds, Claudinha was declared the winner in a split decision by the judges.

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Gadelha needed to win to follow her dream of reaching the strawweight elite (up to 52,1kg) and maintain her dream of competing again for the category title. The athlete then showed a lot of aggression, especially in the first round, and tried to score maximum points against a dangerous rival.

After the announcement of the victory, in an interview in the Octagon, the Mossoroense then challenged Carla esparza, currently number seven in the ranking, and whom he defeated in June 2018, at UFC 225. Gadelha, today, occupies sixth place in the group led by Weili Zhang.

The fight

The fight started with the Brazilian taking the initiative with a low kick and a jab. Hill kept trying to find the distance and walking backwards. Gadelha Gradually, Angela began to loosen up and tried to press the Mossoro native against the bars, but Claudinha remained attentive to her defenses. The duel remained balanced, with good attacks from both fighters. Halfway through the round, the Brazilian managed to take down the North American and found herself in an advantageous position. Gadelha then started trying transitions to get a finish. Cláudia continued to strike, but Angela managed to get up before the gong sounded.

When the fight returned, Gadelha continued attacking her opponent aggressively. Hill, however, also remained dangerous with counterattacks. Almost halfway through the round, Claudinha ended up losing her balance and falling after a punch to the face suffered by her opponent. Hill tried to take advantage of the moment and continued to put pressure on the Mossoroense. At a disadvantage, Gadelha started to attempt a takedown, but the American remained focused on her defenses. In the final minute, the straws accepted the frank exchange in the center of the Octagon. Angela continued with good sequences of punches, while Gatelha changed her attacks with kicks and direct strikes. The round ended with Hill attacking the Brazilian, who protected herself as best she could.

In the last round, the combatants followed the script of the previous rounds. With great aggression, the athletes shared the center of the octagon and sought to score with a large volume of strikes. Halfway through the round, Claudinha landed a great punch to the North American's face, who started walking backwards. Hill returned to the fight with two good crosses and a punch to the Mossoroense's waistline. At the end of the round, the Brazilian's face was bleeding as a result of her opponent's actions. Angela continued with better movement and Cláudia tried to find her feet on the stage. In the final seconds, the athletes exchanged blows, but there was no more time.

Overeem vs. Harris UFC Results

MAIN CARD

Heavy weight (up to 120,2kg): alistair overeem derrotou Walt Harris by knockout 3m from R2

Straw weight (up to 52,1kg): Claudia Gadelha derrotou Angela Hill in the judges' split decision (29,28, 28-29, 29-28)

Featherweight (up to 65,7kg): Dan Ige derrotou Edson Barboza in the judges' split decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Average weight (up to 83,9kg): Krzysztof Jotko derrotou Erik Anders in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Featherweight (up to 65,7kg): song yadong derrotou Marlon Vera in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

PRELIMINARY CARD

Welterweight (up to 77kg): Miguel Baeza defeated Matt Brown by technical knockout 18 seconds into R2

Average weight (up to 83,9kg): Kevin holland derrotou anthony hernandez by knockout 39s into R1

Featherweight (up to 65,7kg): Giga Chikadze defeated Irwin Rivera via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)

Featherweight (up to 65,7kg): nate landwehr defeated Darren Elkins via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

Flyweight (up to 52,1kg): Cortney Casey submitted Mara Romero Borella with an armbar at 3m36s of R1

Heavy weight (up to 120,2kg): Rodrigo Zé Colmeia submitted Don'Tale Mayes with a rear naked choke at 2m05s of R2