Contender Series Brazil: Marina Rodriguez impresses Dana White and UFC closes with three fighters

Marina (right) catches Dana White's attention. Photo: Reproduction / Twitter ufcbrasil

The second episode of Contender Series Brasil, shown this Friday (31), was special for Marina Rodriguez. The Rio Grande do Sul strawweight shined in the clash against Mary Oliveira by technical knockout and was congratulated after the triumph by Dana White, president of the franchise. Besides her, the heavyweight Johnny Walker and flyweight Taila Santos were also hired. On the other hand, former TUF Marcio Lyoto e Andre Muniz, who also won their matches, were left out.

Marina runs over, impresses Dana White and secures contract

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It was a real show! The gaúcha from Bage, in the interior of Rio Grande do Sul, was the big star of the second episode of Contender Series Brasil. The strawweight went to the open fight and showed all her versatility in Muay Thai. Maria, in turn, still tried to respond to the attacks, but was dominated by Marina.

The gaucho dominated her rival's neck and threw several knees, combining with elbows and even a flying punch. Maria felt the attacks and gave up the dispute while still standing, signaling that she could not continue.

Marcio Lyoto wins, but doesn't win

Best known name from the second episode, Marcio Lyoto tried to return to the UFC on the Contender Series. The athlete, runner-up in the third season of TUF Brasil, suffered at the beginning of the fight against Leonardo Cabeção, but ended the fight with a guillotine choke, in less than two minutes of fighting.

Cabeção started the contest better, shortened the distance and attempted takedowns. He even took Lyoto to the ground three times in a row, but he managed to get up at every opportunity. However, still in the clinch, he tried another takedown, but this time Lyoto tied his neck, used the guillotine and forced his rival to give up the fight after 1m52s of the duel.

Johnny Walker beats former UFC fighter and secures spot

J. Walker (photo) secures contract with UFC. Photo: Reproduction / Twitter ufcbrasil

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Brazilian revelation in heavyweight, Johnny Walker He showed his value against an old acquaintance: Luis Henrique Frankenstein, former UFC athlete. And the young athlete put on a show, dominated the veteran and won by unanimous decision from the judges (30-27, 30-27 and 30-26) after punishing his compatriot for 15 minutes.

Walker showed off his entire arsenal when he started the contest with a stomp followed by a flying knee. The former UFC fighter tried to shorten his response, but was caught in the clinch and suffered from the knee applied by Jonhy. On the way out of the clinch, Walker connected with a cross and tried another flying knee. Unable to find himself on his feet, Frankenstein attempted a takedown in the final moments of the first round, but was caught in a guillotine choke and saved by the bell.

In the second round, Walker came back even more forceful. He came back connecting with kicks on Frankenstein and forced his rival to attempt a takedown. This time, however, Johnny managed to reverse it and stay on top. On the ground, he reached mount, connected several blows from above and was close to submitting with a choke, but, sensationally, Luis Henrique survived. Afterwards, Walker tried a triangle, but Frankenstein defended it again.

Already tired, the pace dropped in the third round. Frankenstein tried to pull off an unlikely comeback and landed good punches on Walker's face. But as time passed, he lost momentum. With that, Walker took the fight to the clinch and landed some knees. In the grip contest, the young revelation lifted the heavy weight off the ground, crossed the Octagon with Frankenstein in her arms and pinned her rival to the fence. On top of that, he scored points and secured the unanimous decision victory and the UFC contract.

Contender Series Brazil Episode 2 Results

Taila Santos beat Estefani Almeida by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Johnny Walker beat Luis Henrique Frankenstein by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27 and 30-26)

Andre Muniz beat Bruno Assis by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27 and 30-26)

Marina Rodriguez won Mary Oliveira by technical knockout at 3:03 of R1

Márcio Lyoto beat Leonardo Cabeção via submission 1m52s into R1

Contractors from Contender Series Brazil – Episode 2

Marina Rodriguez

Johnny Walker

Taila Santos