Jessica-Rose Clark showcased both her striking and grappling in her promotional debut at UFC Sydney against Bec Rawlings.
Jessica-Rose Clark came in as a late replacement for Joanne Calderwood in this bout, and will be making her promotional debut at UFC Sydney. Clark is 7-4 in her career and is coming off of a win in Titan FC.
Bec Rawlings entered the UFC through The Ultimate Fighter as one of the initial members of the strawweight division. She’s had a rough go in the Octagon since losing to Tecia Torres on the show, going 2-3, currently on a two-fight skid. Rawlings missed weight in her last bout, and will now fight 10 pounds heavier at flyweight.
Jessica-Rose Clark landed a straight to kick things off, then Bec Rawlings responded with a combination. Rawlings caught a kick and took down her opponent. Rawlings worked from guard for a bit until Clark reversed position. Rawlings rolled for an armbar, but Clark stuffed the attempt.
Clark stood up and allowed Rawlings to follow. Rawlings pushed forward and initiated exchanges, but Clark was getting the better of her as round one came to a close.
Clark landed a solid right hand followed by a combination to start the second round, forcing Rawlings to initiate a clinch. Clark reversed position though and force Rawlings’ back to the cage. That did not last long though, as the two continued to reverse each other on the fence. Clark initiated a separation after she gained the favorable position.
Clark landed a leg kick and a knee to the body that seemed to hurt Rawlings. Clark followed with punches and took Rawlings down to work on an arm triangle. Clark was unable to break free to secure the arm triangle but was able to take Rawlings’ back, then full mount. The debutant looked great in the second stanza.
Rawlings and Clark met in the middle and started throwing down. Both fighters landed hard straights with Rawlings taking Octagon control. Right hands landed for each, then a right for Clark. Rawlings responded with a one-two, then ate a pair of body kicks. Stiff jab for Rawlings followed by a leg kick and a right for Clark. More wild exchanges commenced, with Rawlings landing a hard left and a right that rocked Clark
Clark initiated a clinch in order to survive and Rawlings took the bait, getting a takedown rather than pushing for a finish. Rawlings could not gain the separation required to land ground-and-pound, then Clark stood up and took down Rawlings with 30 seconds remaining. Clark closed out the fight with heavy ground and pound.
Another close fight for the UFC Sydney crowd. Jessica-Rose Clark took home a close split decision in her debut.
Jessica-Rose Clark def. Bec Rawlings by Split Decision (29-28 x2, 28-29)
