Ketlen Vieira and Yana Kunitskaya faced off in a women’s Bantamweight clash tonight (Sat., Feb. 20, 2021) inside UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada at UFC Vegas 19. Following a competitive fight, Kunitskaya was awarded the win.
Vieira opened with a big left hook and takedown attempt, though it landed the two women in the clinch, where Kunitskaya answered with some knees. Vieira completed a takedown along the fence, but her opponent was able to quickly wall-walk back up. Kunitskaya was active with her clinch knees and reversed position. Vieira scored a well-timed takedown, this time into guard. Vieira worked towards mount, occasionally landing some punches. Kunitskaya threw lots of little strikes from her back. The round finished in half guard.
Kunitskaya landed a couple good kicks before the fight moved to the clinch again. Kunitskaya landed a takedown of her own! Vieira looked for submissions from her back. Kunitskaya maintained top position throughout the armbar and triangle attempts, landing small punches. Vieira used a heel hook attempt to stand, but she was jammed back into the fence. Vieira gave up top position going for an overhook throw. Kunitskaya landed some good body shots as her opponent hunted for the kimura, closing out a strong round with a head kick attempt.
Vieira took a few low kicks then scored an early takedown and settled into half guard. It takes a minute or so, but Vieira moved into mount. The Brazilian attacked the arm triangle then took the back. Kunitskaya is the more active striker while having her back taken, but it takes her until the final 20 seconds to spin into top control. Kunitskaya finished the round landing heavy elbows and punches, suddenly making the round — and therefore fight — ultra close on the scorecards.
Shockingly, all three judges agreed, awarding the victory to Yana Kunitskaya! They prioritized damage over control, and “Foxy” was named the victor as a result.
Result: Yana Kunitskaya defeats Ketlen Vieira via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
For complete UFC Vegas 19: “Lewis vs. Blaydes” results and play-by-play, click HERE!