Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Michelle Waterson and Angela Hill face off tonight (Sat. Sept. 12, 2020) in a main event women’s Strawweight clash from inside UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada. After betting bumped from the co-main event slot to headliner, the stakes of this bout grew a bit. Waterson was no longer just fighting to return to the win column; she is trying to return to her former status as contender. Similarly, Hill has a major opportunity to capitalize on her current momentum, which could see her break into the mix for the first time.
Round One
Waterson lands first with an inside low kick, but Hill stuffs her takedown attempt. Hill connects with a counter right hand. Hill presses the action, lands another right. Waterson goes back to the thigh. Waterson grabs a body lock and jams her opponent into the fence. Hill escapes, eating an elbow. Hill lands a combo then another right hand. Good low kick for Waterson, followed by a body kick. Deep takedown attempt from Waterson is stuffed! Hill reveres position and lands a knee before breaking away. Hill denies another takedown and lands a knee. The two trade front kicks. Hill finishes the round with a series of kicks.
Round Two
Waterson looking to establish the jab early, lands a good left kick and overhand as a result. Hill cracks her back with a right in return. Hill sticks a front kick into the belly and lands a couple punches. Hill lands a right and jab, denies a takedown. Waterson lands a sneaky lead high kick that partially connects. Clean jab from Waterson. Hard right hand connects for Hill and wobbles her, prompting a poor takedown attempt. Hill follows up with a hard jab. Waterson recovers, lands a punch-kick combo. Waterson gets in on a single leg, but Hill defends nicely. Hill starts working knees in the clinch. Big overhand connects for “Karate Hottie.” Waterson bails on a takedown and lands on the break. Hill defends the next one and lands a good elbow.
Round Three
Hill jabs to start the third round. Hill effectively fighting long early, behind the jab and teep kick. Waterson eats a knee, lands a trip takedown! Waterson is in half-guard, working to pass. The fight largely stalls out from that position for a couple minutes. HIll eventually goes to stand, nearly giving up back mount in the process. After the scare, Hill is pretty content to hold position. Waterson lands a decent elbow but eats an illegal upkick just before the round comes to an end.
Round Four
Round Five
Result:
For complete UFC Vegas 10: “Hill vs. Waterson” results and play-by-play, click HERE!