Jennifer Maia defeated Roxanne Modafferi for the second time in her career, winning by unanimous decision at UFC San Antonio.
Roxanne Modafferi was previously scheduled to face now-title challenger Liz Carmouche at UFC San Antonio. Instead, Carmouche is getting a shot at Valentina Shevchenko later this summer. Modafferi was given a rematch with Jennifer Maia. Modafferi lost to Maia in September of 2016 via split-decision, when they battled for the Invicta FC flyweight title. Fan-favorite Modafferi was 2-1 since her flyweight title-fight loss to Nicco Montaño in December of 2017 ahead of UFC San Antonio.
The rematch with Maia had a small asterisk, though. Maia missed weight by three pounds before UFC San Antonio. She missed weight for the first time in her 23-fight professional MMA career. The former Invicta FC flyweight champ is 1-1 since joining the UFC in July of 2018. She lost to Carmouche and defeated Alexis Davis. Her victory over Davis came in March by unanimous decision.
The duo exchanged strikes early in round one, with Maia throwing a series of combinations throughout the first minute, landing sparingly. Modafferi shot the first takedown attempt of the night, but was quickly stuffed by Maia. The Brazilian was then pushed against the cage by Modafferi. But, she was unable to land any significant strikes or get Maia to the ground. Maia eventually got back to the center of the Octagon, but only for a moment, as Modafferi forced Maia up against the cage yet again. The rest of the round was more of the same, with clinch battles ruling the day in a closely contested first five minutes.
The beginning of the second round looked a lot like the first. A few excanges on the feet, with Maia throwing and landing more consistently than Modafferi. Maia then landed a big uppercut, one of a few early in round two, sending Modafferi stumbling backward. After another clinch battle, the duo were once again trading combinations in the middle of the Octagon. An off-balance Modafferi was then tossed to the ground by Maia, who looked to be gaining comfortability in the clinch exchanges. Instead of being held against the fence, Maia was able to turn Modafferi and gain the better position throughout the final minutes of round two.
Maia’s constant movement didn’t stop early in round three. The Brazilian continued to circle and strike well in the opening minutes, likely up on the scorecards. Modafferi pressured forward. But she was unable to find a striking range in which Maia wasn’t immediately responding. Around the three-minute mark Modafferi forced Maia against the cage, but was once again unable to drag Maia to the ground or land any strikes.
Result: Jennifer Maia def. Roxanne Modafferi by Unanimous Decision (30-27×3)
Check out the rest of the results from UFC San Antonio here!
