Viviane Araujo scored the biggest win of her MMA career, as she out pointed Alexis Davis over three rounds to win a decision at UFC 240.
In a flyweight contest, veteran Alexis Davis welcomes prospect Viviane Araujo to Canada at UFC 240.
Davis had lost two consecutive bouts for the first time in her career heading into UFC 240. However, both losses were to top-five contenders at 125-pounds, with the most recent loss to Jennifer Maia coming back in March. The former title-challenger at 135-pounds looked to return to her winning ways in her home country.
Araujo showed promise in her last contest, defeating Talita Bernardo at 135-pounds on very short notice. Prior to that spectacular win, Araujo had only competed at strawweight. The Brazilian had finished all of her seven wins and had never seen the scorecards in prior contests. Heading into UFC 240, Araujo looked to leave Canada with a number next to her name and the biggest win of her career.
Round 1:
The ladies touch gloves in the featured prelim on ESPN. Araujo has a clear speed advantage early. Davis starts to pressure forward though as both women exchange in the pocket. Araujo’s hands looked very sharp within the opening two minutes as Davis seemed a step behind. The left hand of Araujo couldn’t miss throughout the opening round. Araujo landed a solid superman punch but Davis took it well. Davis lands a knee in the clinch but Araujo escapes. Araujo wins the opening round but seemed to slow a little at the end.
Cageside Press scored the round 10-9 Araujo.
Round 2:
Araujo continued to dance around Davis early – where she threw mostly single, short, fast shots. Davis tried to clinch but Araujo avoided any damage. Araujo seemed to be slowing quicker in the second round though as she moved less. Araujo managed to take Davis down, but Davis managed to reverse the Brazilian to get top position. With half of the round left, Davis has time to work. Davis managed to punish Araujo, as she landed elbows in Araujo’s guard. The elbows won Davis the round.
Cageside Press scored the round 10-9 Davis.
Round 3:
As both ladies entered the third round, it was a round both ladies needed to win. Araujo’s jab was effective early once again, as she peppered Davis at range. Araujo started to follow with a right hand behind the jab, which also landed. Davis attempted a double leg takedown early in the third round, but Araujo managed to defend well. Davis lands a body kick but her face is busted up. The punches of Araujo are landing often as Davis had zero head movement. Davis started to walk Araujo down, but was walking into Araujo’s strikes. Davis attempted another takedown, but Araujo defended again. Araujo stand up and makes Davis follow her up with just under two minutes left in the round. Araujo is just landing at will but Davis is very tough. Davis clinches with under a minute to go and is landing knees against the cage. Davis managed to keep Araujo against the fense for the rest of the round, but Araujo should get the decision.
Cageside Press scored the round 10-9 Araujo (29-28 Araujo).
Official Result: Viviane Araujo def. Alexis Davis via Unanimous Decision (29-28 x3).
