A. Nunes (right) defeated J. Peña in the UFC 277. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
The champion returned. Protagonist of UFC 277, held this Saturday (30), in Dallas (USA), Amanda nunes went through one of the biggest challenges of his career. In historic revenge with Julianna Pena, responsible for the end of her reign at the end of 2021, the Brazilian had a convincing performance and went through a real battle against the Venezuelan. After five intense rounds, the Brazilian was declared the winner in a unanimous decision by the judges and regained the bantamweight title (under 61,2kg).
See too
With the result, Amanda returns to the winning path. The Bahian's triumph also made the Brazilian regain her status as double champion of the organization, with the Tupiniquim also winning the featherweight belt (up to 65,7kg).
Surpassed by Nunes, Peña presented a great challenge to Pojucana. Still, Julianna was unsuccessful in her first title defense.
The fight
The confrontation began with Nunes taking the initiative with a kick to her opponent's waistline. The Brazilian changed her base and tried to confuse the champion. With just over a minute left, the Bahian launched a series of punches, but Julianna responded in kind. Almost halfway through the round, Amanda landed a direct shot on her opponent's face, but the Venezuelan showed danger with her counterattacks. Three minutes later, the Brazilian knocked her rival off balance with a straight shot, but the champion quickly returned to the fight. Afterwards, the Venezuelan again accused the Brazilian of an attack, even getting on her knees. The 'Leoe' maintained her concentration and tried not to get overwhelmed, even with the good moment. In the final seconds, Julianna attacked the Brazilian with a direct hit. Nunes looked for a takedown, but the champion defended well. Close to the bell, the Pojucana shook her opponent again, but there was no more time.
In the second round, the first attack came from Amanda, with a front kick, but the blow was defended by the Venezuelan. Still in the opening seconds, Nunes landed a clean cross on the champion's face, who collapsed. Amanda allowed her rival to get up and tried to make the good moment count. With just over a minute left, Peña attacked the Brazilian, but ended up receiving a direct hit, falling again. Again, the Bahian allowed her opponent to stay on her feet. Halfway through the stage, the athletes went into a frank fight in the center of the Octagon. Peña surprised the Brazilian with a straight shot, but Nunes remained focused. The duel remained tense, with the possibility of a knockout for both parties. Near the final minute, a left jab from Nunes once again took down the champion. Nunes maintained her strategy and allowed her opponent to stay on her feet. Close to the end of the stage, the Brazilian shook her opponent again, but Peña returned it, shaking the Pojucana. The bell sounded with the Brazilian pressing her opponent against the bars.
The third round began with Nunes taking the initiative with a straight shot, followed by a straight kick. After a minute, Peña went for the clinch, but Amanda quickly freed herself. Close to the middle of the stage, the fighters started to exchange franks. Amanda took advantage of the champion's oversight and got a takedown. From below, Peña tried to stop the confrontation, while the Bahian tried to maintain a posture. Near the final minute, the Bahian attacked with ground and pound, but the Venezuelan showed danger in defense and attempted a triangle. In the final seconds, Amanda reached half guard and the champion only defended herself. The stage ended with the Brazilian on top, but without much action.
In the fourth stage, Amanda managed a takedown in the opening seconds. On top, the Brazilian scored, while the champion hugged the Brazilian and looked for a submission. Julianna threatened an omoplata, but Nunes remained alert. Almost halfway through the round, Peña tried to surprise with an armbar, but Amanda defended herself. The Bahian managed to pass the guard, but the Venezuelan soon managed to regain her defensive position. After three minutes, the athletes stood up, but immediately the Brazilian took them down again. Even in a disadvantageous position, Peña showed a lot of danger from below. Nunes stood up and kicked the base of the fallen Venezuelan. In the final seconds, Amanda took him down again and stayed on top until the timer ran out.
The last round started with Nunes taking the initiative with a low kick. Early on, Amanda took her opponent to the ground. Peña risked an omoplata again and Amanda defended herself. The Brazilian tried a hand triangle, but the champion got out of position and got up. After almost two minutes, Nunes took down again and tried not to give the champion any space. With just over two minutes remaining, Amanda worked in half guard. On top, Amanda attacked with ground and pound, but the champion remained dangerous in defense. In the final seconds, Amanda managed to get to her back and locked in a rear naked choke. Peña resisted and managed to get out of position. For the remainder of the confrontation, the Brazilian remained standing, but there was no more time.
UFC 277 results
MAIN CARD
Bantam weight (up to 61,2kg): Amanda nunes derrotou Julianna Pena in the unanimous decision of the judges (50-45, 50-44, 50-43) – Fight for the belt
Flyweight (up to 56,7kg): Brandon Moreno derrotou Kai Kara France by technical knockout at 4m34s of R3 – Fight for the belt
Heavy weight (up to 120,2kg): Sergei Pavlovich derrotou Derrick Lewis by technical knockout at 55s of R1
Flyweight (up to 56,7kg): Alexandre pantoja finished Alex Perez with a rear naked choke at 1m31s of R1
Light heavyweight (up to 93kg): Magomed Ankalayev derrotou Anthony Smith by technical knockout at 3m09s of R2
PRELIMINARY CARD
Welterweight (up to 77kg): alex morono defeated Matt Semelsberger via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Light weight (up to 70,3kg.): Drew dober derrotou rafael alves by knockout at 1m30s of R3
Heavyweight (up to 120,2kg): Hamdy Abdelwahab defeated Don'Tale Mayes in the judges' split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Light weight (up to 70,3kg.): Drakkar Klose derrotou Rafa Garcia in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Welterweight (up to 77kg): Michael Morales defeated Adam Fugitt by technical knockout (punches) at 1:09 of R3
Bantamweight (up to 61,2kg): Joselyne Edwards defeated Ji Yeon Kim in the judges' split decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27)
Light heavyweight (up to 93kg): Nicolae Negumereanu derrotou Ihor Potieria by technical knockout (punches) at 3:33 of R2
Welterweight (up to 77kg): Orion Cosce defeated Blood Diamond via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
You need login To comment.