Flexibility was on display as Miranda Granger and Ashley Yoder were creating new positions on the ground in their back-and-forth bout at UFC Vegas 14.
Ashley Yoder looked to get back on track at UFC Vegas 14 against Miranda Granger, who was also coming off a loss. It’s been tough sledding for Yoder since her appearance on The Ultimate Fighter, where she went 1-1. Her UFC career started with three consecutive losses, but she was able to rebound with a pair of wins. The upswing did not last as long as she wanted, as she came into the fight on a two-fight losing streak.
Miranda Granger won the CFFC strawweight title to earn a UFC contract, which she made good on by defeating Hannah Goldy decisively in her debut. Granger was looking to rebound from a first-round submission loss in her last fight.
The strawweights met in the middle and the taller Granger landed a leg kick. Yoder answered with a left hand over the top right into a clinch. Granger spun her around against the cage and controlled the clinch from there. Yoder attempted an acrobatic back take off a throw, but Granger resisted it and separated. A few leg kicks landed for Granger before Yoder closed the distance and brought the fight to the mat with a throw. Granger was able to reverse position, but was at risk for a heel hook that she punched her way out of. Yoder stayed active from the bottom, nearly locking up a triangle and an armbar that Granger resisted by pushing the head of Yoder down with her legs until the bell rung.
What the hell is going on there?! #UFCVegas14 pic.twitter.com/pz4WcTJaAD
— Giorgi Kokiashvili 🇬🇪 (@iHeartGeorgius1) November 15, 2020
The fighters clinched up quickly to start round two with Granger winning the dirty boxing battle with knees and elbows. Granger continued to push Yoder against the cage, who countered with a head-and-arm throw. However, Granger countered and took the back of Yoder on the way down. A scramble ensued and Yoder got into half guard. Granger began attempting a kimura, but it didn’t lead to anything. Yoder controlled the remainder of the round from half guard.
The strawweights traded shots to start the final round with a strong leg kick landing for Granger. Yoder rushed in and muscled Granger to the canvas into side control. Granger attempted to wall walk and sweep, but a kimura attempt countered that effort. Yoder transitioned into mount, and Granger began trying to escape out the back door, but Yoder’s top control was too effective. Yoder postured up and landed ground-and-pound, forcing Granger to give up her back. Yoder established a body triangle and punched her way to the final bell, nearly securing a rear-naked choke.
SAVED BY THE HORN 😳
We go to the judges when we come back. #UFCVegas14 pic.twitter.com/syr13JWizv
— UFC (@ufc) November 15, 2020
Ashley Yoder def. Miranda Granger by Unanimous Decision (30-26, 29-27 x2)
