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Jennifer Maia may have stolen Joanne Calderwood’s UFC women’s flyweight title shot after she submitted “JoJo” via first-round armbar last night (Sat., Aug. 1, 2020) at UFC Vegas 5 live on ESPN+ from inside UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Maia was on from the opening bell. She started to land the better shots on the feet before a takedown sent the action to the canvas. Calderwood was able to get in top control but Maia was quick to launch a sneaky armbar attempt. “JoJo” defended best she could but the Brazilian’s grip was tight. Maia straightened Calderwood out and eventually forced the tap.
Check out the highlights above courtesy of UFC/ESPN.
Some were surprised when Calderwood agreed to this fight as she was previously scheduled to fight current UFC women’s flyweight titleholder Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 251 before the champ put the matchup on ice. Calderwood could have waited for “Bullet” to return to ensure her first official UFC title shot but she rolled the dice against Maia and came up short.
Look for Maia to step into Calderwood’s spot and take on Shevchenko next. She already received approval from the champ herself.
See you soon Jennifer Maia
— Valentina Shevchenko (@BulletValentina) August 2, 2020
“Seen you soon Jennifer Maia,” wrote Shevchenko via Twitter.
For complete UFC Vegas 5 results and coverage click here.