On Saturday night, former UFC women’s bantamweight title challenger Alexis Davis returned to the division she was one fight away from conquering back in 2014.
Davis, who fell to MMA superstar Ronda Rousey at a time when the entire female side of the sport seemed to revolve around “Rowdy,” had made the move down to flyweight in 2017, in search of a fresh start. Things at 125lbs, however, did not go her way. The Canadian won her initial bout against Liz Carmouche, then dropped three straight.
At UFC Vegas 20, she was welcomed back to bantamweight by rising prospect Sabina Mazo, who was also making the move up to 135lbs.
Mazo was essentially landing at will early, splitting the guard with straight punches. Davis, however, caught a lazy kick and dumped “The Colombian Queen” on her back, moving in on top. Davis moved to side control, with Mazo trying to push off and spin out. Davis was able to get a hook in and take the back when Mazo tried to power up, adding the second hook moments later. Mazo rolled, and Davis went to work on the rear-naked choke. Sabina Mazo fought hands, then turned in, looking to transition to the top — but Davis defended perfectly and maintained the dominant position.
The hand speed and accuracy of Mazo was on display again early in round two. This time, it was Mazo catching a kick, though she couldn’t do anything with it and instead released the limb. But as the round played out, Davis was unable to get the fight down, and instead engaged in a rather futile kickboxing match with Mazo, who had the clear edge in stand-up. At best, Davis was winning in the kicks department. But Mazo’s hands were equally effective. It wasn’t until the final thirty seconds when Davis secured a takedown, but that may not have been enough to win the frame.
Again in the third, a caught kick was converted to a takedown by Alexis Davis. The Canadian worked to take the back as Mazo worked to her knees. Davis would secure the back, at least for a time. Mazo would later threaten with an arm-bar, before giving up her back once again. Davis had both hooks in, and was in the driver’s seat. She never could secure the choke, but was the clear winner in the end.
Official Result: Alexis Davis def. Sabina Mazo by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)
