A title eliminator bout between women’s flyweight contenders took place on Saturday’s UFC 324 main card. Former two-time strawweight champion Rose Namajunas faced No. 2 ranked Natália Silva with a title shot awaiting the winner.
Namajunas entered the bout having won three of her last four fights and ranked sixth in the division. She was told by UFC matchmakers that she’d receive a title fight win a win over Silva.
Silva made the walk to the octagon inside T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas riding an incredible 13-fight winning streak. She hadn’t felt defeat since 2018.
Namajunas pawed with her jab early. She delivered a leg kick. Namajunas continued to utilized leg kicks. Silva began to fire back counter attacks. Namajunas pressed forward with a right hand. Namajunas stayed just out of reach of Silva’s counters. Namajunas made Silva miss, a lot. MMAWeekly scored the opening round 10-9 for Namajunas.
Namajunas took the center of the cage to start the second frame. She switched stances. Namajunas connected with a right hand. Silva responded with a straight right. They clinched and Silva pressed Namajunas against the cage. They scrambled and remained clinched against the cage. Namajunas drug Silva to the ground with 90 seconds remaining. Silva avoided taking damage but lost the round.
Namajunas landed a right hand to start the third. Silva was more aggressive perhaps sensing she was behind on the scorecards. Namajunas moved in the pocket with a left hook. Silva began moving forward. Silva delivered a spinning back kick to the body. Namajunas responded with a leg kick. Silva fired off a head kick that barely missed. Silva stepped in with a side kick to Namajunas’ face. Namajunas grabbed a leg and worked for a takedown. Silva stuffed the attempt. They stood but remained clinched. Silva tossed Namajunas to the ground. Namajunas scrambled free and ‘silva leg her up. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Silva.
The judges scored the fight for Silva via unanimous decision. All three scorecards ready 29-28.
