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Amanda Nunes outpointed Julianna Pena in an absorbing rematch to reclaim her bantamweight title at UFC 277 in Dallas, Texas.
The Brazilian, 34, excelled in each the stand-up and grappling as she avenged December’s shock loss to the American.
The victory over the 32-year-old means Nunes, who additionally holds the featherweight title, turns into the primary two-time double champion in UFC historical past.
“We make historical past once more, that is the most effective day in my life,” mentioned Nunes.
Within the co-main occasion, Brandon Moreno claimed the interim flyweight title as he stopped Kai Kara-France within the third spherical with a crushing physique kick.
Following the bout, the division’s champion Deiveson Figueiredo joined Moreno within the cage because the pair agreed to an unprecedented fourth battle for the undisputed title.
New teaching staff pays off for Nunes
Pena sensationally submitted Nunes in Las Vegas seven months in the past, ending her 12-fight win streak to win the title in one of many greatest shocks in UFC historical past.
The defeat was Nunes’ first in seven years in a run that had seen the ‘Lioness’ beat various present and former champions together with Ronda Rousey, Cris Cyborg and Valentina Shevchenko twice.
Pena was eager to level out her victory was not a fluke in post-fight interviews, reminding critics she had predicted her title reign from the second the battle was introduced.
The pair’s rivalry gained one other layer after they had been confirmed as coaches of opposing groups on the UFC’s actuality tv sequence the Final Fighter.
Nunes got here into the rematch with a brand new teaching staff following her choice to arrange her personal fitness center after the defeat by Pena, citing a need for her personal area.
The adjustments she had made to her sport had been evident from the beginning, as she adopted a southpaw stance that she has not often proven in earlier fights.
After rocking Pena with proper arms twice within the first spherical, Nunes asserted full management within the second as she floored her 3 times, changing into the primary girl in UFC historical past to knock an opponent down 3 times in the identical spherical.
Within the third the Brazilian showcased her grappling prowess as she took Pena down and lower her open with various slashing elbows on the mat.
Pena’s staff knew the champion was behind, urging her to use extra strain and search for a end within the latter rounds.
Regardless of various armbar and triangle makes an attempt on the bottom from Pena, Nunes navigated the threats safely on her option to victory.
Because the battle reached its conclusion, she danced on the spot assured she would regain her title, whereas a bloodied Pena lay on the mat.
The win silences critics who recommended Nunes had misplaced her starvation after being the dominant girl within the sport for thus lengthy.
Nunes praised her new teaching staff within the post-fight interview.
“The perfect factor I did was make my dream occur [move gyms],” mentioned Nunes.
“I really feel like I can develop much more now – I’ve advanced much more.
“Now I’ve an opportunity to return to Brazil and see my household that I miss a lot. Please let me relaxation somewhat, and I am going to come again as quickly as doable.”
Moreno units up historic Figueiredo bout
The co-main occasion noticed Mexico’s Brandon Moreno tackle New Zealand’s Kai Kara France for the interim flyweight title, with present champion Deiveson Figueiredo out injured watching on cage-side.
In a close-fought contest, it was a devastating physique kick by Moreno, 28, within the third spherical that proved the distinction.
After buying and selling strikes and leg kicks within the opening 10 minutes, Moreno drove his left leg into Kara-France’s liver, dropping the New Zealand fighter in ache.
As Moreno jumped in, touchdown a flurry of punches, referee Herb Dean stopped the battle, crowning Moreno as champion.
Following the bout, Figueiredo joined Moreno within the cage because the pair agreed to a historic fourth battle for the undisputed title.
No two fighters have ever fought 4 instances towards one another within the UFC earlier than.
The pair drew the primary, with Moreno profitable the second and Brazil’s Figueiredo avenging defeat within the third in January.
“I do not hate you, I forgive you, however do not be confused, I wish to battle you for the belt in December,” mentioned Moreno.
Figueiredo responded by requesting that the battle to happen in Brazil.
Elsewhere, residence favorite Derrick Lewis suffered a first-round knockout by the hands of Russia’s Sergei Pavlovich of their heavyweight bout, whereas Magomed Ankalaev defeated fellow light-heavyweight Anthony Smith for his ninth win in row.
In the primary card’s different flyweight bout, Alexandre Pantoja earned a powerful first-round submission over Alex Perez.
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