A. Nunes defends belt at UFC 224. (Photo: Reproduction Twitter ufc_brasil)
Amanda nunes promised and fulfilled. The Brazilian, who during the weigh-in last Friday (11), announced to the world that the women's bantamweight belt would be held in Brazil, dominated the challenger Rachel Pennington and won by technical knockout in the fifth round. The fight was the main attraction of UFC 224 – also called UFC Rio 9 – held in the early hours of this Sunday (13), in the capital of Rio de Janeiro. Amanda's triumph marked the third defense of the Ultimate 'Lioness' belt.
“It was the hardest fight of my career. I respect a lot Rachel Pennington and Tecia (Torres, girlfriend of the challenger and also a UFC fighter). Tonight we will celebrate our friendship, have a beer, celebrate. Thank you very much, guys. It was very important for me to have you all here. It was something I had never felt before. I want to make it very clear: I live abroad, but I defend the Brazilian flag. This belt is ours. I came here to share it with you”, said Amanda still in the Octagon.
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The fight
Amanda nunes needed just a few seconds to 'welcome' Rachel Pennington. In the very first movements, the champion landed a kick to the challenger's base, who fell. The Brazilian took advantage of the moment and connected several blows on her rival, who was pressed against the bars. Nunes abused combinations of leg kicks and hand strikes to Pennington's head.
Amanda maintained the same pace as the previous part in the second round. She put her rival against the bars, worked with kicks to the legs and precise punches to the North American's head. In the final minute, The Lioness landed two good knees on the challenger, who, as a defender, managed a takedown. Even on top, the challenger was unable to work on the ground.
The good moment at the end of the second round made Pennington return willingly in the third round. She began to enter the Brazilian's range of action and risk some blows. However, the Brazilian quickly regained control by taking down her rival. Even on top, the Lioness did not advance on the ground and referee Marc Goddard put them both back on their feet. When the restart started, it was Pennington's turn to try for the takedown, but two strong knees from Amanda left the challenger on the ground when the bell sounded.
In the fourth round, with no chance of winning the fight in the decision, Pennington opened the game and went up. But Amanda dodged the attacks and pressed the American against the bars again. She combined a kick followed by a right cross, which left Raquel stunned. Nunes ended the partial with another fall.
Before the start of the fifth round, Rachel Pennington I told the coach I wouldn't be able to return. But her mentor convinced her to 'change her thinking' and return to the dispute. However, it was in vain. Amanda took control of the actions and, once again, took down Pennington. The Brazilian found space, took a stance and threw several punches from above. In desperation, the American turned her back. The Lioness continued the punishment until the referee ended the dispute and declared a technical knockout.
UFC 224 Rio results
main card
Bantamweight: Amanda nunes derrotou Rachel Pennington by technical knockout at 2m36s of R5
Average weight: Kelvin Gastelum derrotou Ronaldo Jacare in the judges' split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Straw weight: Mackenzie dern submitted Amanda Cooper with a rear naked choke at 2m27s of R1
Bantamweight: John Lineker defeated brian kelleher by knockout at 3m43s R3
Average weight: Lyoto Machida derrotou Vitor belfort by knockout 1m from R2
Preliminary Card
Middleweight: Cézar Mutante submitted Karl Robertson with a katagatame 4m45s from R1
Heavyweight: alexey oleynik finished Júnior Albini with an Ezequiel 1m45s into R1
Lightweight: Davi ramos submitted Nick Hein with a rear naked choke at 4m15s of R1
Welterweight Weight: Elizeu Capoeira derrotou Sean Strickland by knockout at 3m12s R1
Welterweight Weight: Warlley alves defeated Sultan Aliev by technical knockout (medical stoppage) 5m from R2
Average weight: Jack hermansson derrotou Thales leites by technical knockout at 2m10s of R3
Welterweight Weight: Ramazan Emeyev defeated Alberto Miná by unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Middleweight: Markus Maluko submitted James Bochnovic with a rear naked choke at 4:48 of R1
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