In a fairly uneventful contest, Katlyn Chookagian jabbed her way to a unanimous decision over Mara Romero Borella at UFC Charlotte.
Katlyn Chookagian will be making her UFC flyweight debut in this fight after performing at bantamweight in her first three appearances with the promotion. Chookagian was the CFFC bantamweight and flyweight champion before making the jump to the Octagon. The Pennsylvania native is 2-1 in the UFC and is coming off a victory over Irene Aldana.
Mara Romero Borella is an Italian fighter training out of American Top Team. She was 11-4 before winning her promotional debut at UFC 216. Borella defeated former Titan FC champion Kalindra Faria in that debut via first-round submission.
A few light exchanges started this fight with nothing of significance landing. Jabs and one-twos continued to be pumped by both fighters with Borella mixing in leg kicks. Borella started to land her shots putting together combinations as Chookagian continued to whiff her straight punches (at this point she’s landed just seven of her 62 attempts). Borella landed a straight and Chookagian started mixing in her high kicks.
Borella stung Chookagian with a straight punch and body kick to start the round as Chookagian was doing more of the same. A pair of right straights landed for Borella. Borella was able to clinch with Chookagian and land a knee to the head of her opponent. Chookagian mixed in an uppercut that caught Borella off guard. However, not much was happening in this flyweight affair.
Jabs hit the chin of Borella to start the final round. A combination landed for Chookagian as Borella went to her leg kick. Chookagian mixed in a question mark kick that landed, then a hook kick. Borella attempted to clinch up with Chookagian but the attempt was thwarted fairly quickly.
Chookagian finally found her range it seemed, as her jab landed with consistency. Borella was able to push Chookagian to the fence and take down her opponent. Chookagian recovered guard quickly and attempted a triangle choke that forced Borella to stand up. Chookagian landed a right hand and avoided another clinch attempt from Borella and another right straight landed before the final bell.
Katlyn Chookagian def. Mara Romero Borella by Unanimous Decision (29-28 x2, 30-27)
