Katlyn Chookagian rallied to win the second and third rounds en route to a close decision victory against fellow contender Joanne Calderwood.
In the first fight of the night live from the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, Katlyn Chookagian took on Joanne Calderwood in a number-one contenders match at UFC 238.
Chookagian (11-2) entered the bout with a 2-1 record at flyweight. Most recently, the Mark Henry trained Jersey-based fighter lost a split decision to UFC 238 co-main eventer Jessica Eye (who fights Valentina Shevchenko for the flyweight championship) at UFC 231. In her UFC career, Chookagian has a 4-2 record, with 50% of her UFC contests being a split decision, and 100% of them going to the scorecards.
Calderwood (13-3) entered undefeated as a flyweight – with a 3-0 record at 125-pounds in the UFC. At flyweight, she has finished both Valerie Letourneau and Kalindra Faria at UFC Fight Night 89 and UFC Fight Night 135 respectively. In her last appearance, Scotland’s Calderwood dominated Ariane Lipski, defeating the former KSW champion by unanimous decision.
Both ladies made weight, Calderwood hitting the championship limit of 125-pounds, meanwhile Chookagian took the extra non-title fight pound allowance, entering at 126-pounds.
A win for either lady could determine the next title-challenger at flyweight, who would face the winner of Valentina Shevchenko vs. Jessica Eye in the co-main event of the evening.
Round 1:
They both meet in the middle where Calderwood is instantly attacking the legs. Chookagian attempts a body kick but Calderwood catches it. Calderwood throws an overhand right that partially lands. Chookagian missed with the high kick – but lands a combination seconds later. Calderwood still attacking with leg kicks. Chookagian lands a knee in the clinch and then a straight off the break. Calderwood is defending well as she goes back to the leg kicks. Chookagian attempts a front kick but it is blocked. Calderwood has landed almost 30 leg kicks during the first round.
Cageside Press scored the round 10-9 Calderwood.
Round 2:
Calderwood goes back to the leg attacks straight away. Chookagian is landing with her own low kicks and then attempts a high kick. Calderwood lands a takedown but both women scramble back up. Brief clinch work before they are back to trading kicks. The jab of Chookagian is landing. Calderwood lands a right hand over the top. Calderwood attempts a spinning back fist but missed as Chookagian lands a 1-2 combination. The right hand of Chookagian is landing at will. Chookagian is far more active and versatile in the second round. Calderwood gets a takedown and manages to secure guard. The round ends with Calderwood on top.
Cageside Press scored the round 10-9 Chookagian.
Round 3:
Both women are exchanging attacks, mainly kicks throughout the first minute. Chookagian seems to be more effective in the third round with her leg attacks. Chookagian lands a big right hand. Calderwood lands her own right hand. Both women exchange hands up close. Calderwood catches the kick again and takes her down. Chookagian manages to shoot back up and lands a big right hand. Both women exchange low kicks again – the main weapon of this fight. Chookagian lands that straight right hand again. Calderwood lands a big leg kick, and then misses on a spinning back fist. Calderwood showboating in the third round, sticking her tongue out and not doing anything while Chookagian is throwing and was way more active in that round.
Cageside Press scored the round 10-9 Chookagian.
Cageside Press scored the fight 29-28 Chookagian.
Katlyn Chookagian def. Joanne Calderwood by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
