UFC Raleigh Results: Sarah McMann Outwrestles Lina Lansberg in Return

Sara McMann vs. Lina Lansberg, UFC Raleigh
Sara McMann vs. Lina Lansberg, UFC Raleigh Face-Offs Credit: Bryson Hester/Cageside Press

After nearly two years away from the UFC, Sara McMann cruised to an easy victory over Lina Lansberg at UFC Raleigh.

It’s been over a year since Sara McMann was last seen in the UFC. In her time away, she gave birth to her son, and on Saturday night, made her way back to the octagon for the first time since February 2018. Welcoming her back was the always gritty Lina Lansberg.

Time waits for no man or woman. In McMann’s absence, Amanda Nunes had solidified her stranglehold on the 135lb division. At 39-years old, the former Olympian, who challenged Ronda Rousey for gold in 2014, had precious little time to prove her continued relevance. She was also looking to snap a two-fight losing streak, while Lansberg entered the night off two straight wins.

Here is how the play by play went down:

Round 1:

The Olympic silver medalist opened the action with a single leg takedown. McMann pinned Lansberg against the canvas with heavy top control. She fired off tons of hard body shots to try to pass Lansberg’s half guard. When the Swedish fighter attempted to get up, the former title challenger locked in a D’Arce choke. It looked like she might get the submission win, but Lansberg fought out of it. McMann then went to a Kimura but couldn’t separate Lansberg’s arm from her body as the round came to an end.

Cageside Press scored the round 10-9 McMann. 

Round 2:

McMann shot in for a takedown but Lansberg briefly defended it. Unfortunately for the Elbow Queen, she didn’t get her hips back and McMann was able to grab double underhooks and inside tripped her to the canvas. For the remainder of the round, McMann just kept Lansberg pressed against the canvas with heavy top pressure. She gained full mount with ten seconds left in the round but didn’t land any strikes before the round ended.

Cageside Press scored the round 10-9 McMann

Round 3:

McMann grabbed double underhooks and took Lansberg down immediately. This time she landed in side control. The Swedish fighter scrambled and McMann took her back. With both hooks in, McMann hit her with some hard strikes. She kept switching back and forth between looking for the rear-naked choke and striking until the round and fight came to an end.

Cageside Press scored the round 10-9 McMann and the fight 30-27 McMann. 

Official Results: Sara McMann def. Lina Lansberg by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-25)