Former Invicta FC atomweight champ Jinh Yu Frey was looking to start 2021 off right by picking up her first win inside the octagon on Saturday.
At UFC Vegas 21, Frey, who had dropped her first two bouts inside the octagon last year, was paired up with Gloria de Paula. The Brazilian known as “Glorinha” had won her way into the promotion on the Contender Series last year, and was making her promotional debut.
After an early Muay Thai clinch, Frey wisely took the fight down early, going to work in d e Paula’s guard. And that’s where the entire round would play out. As comfortable as de Paula looking walked out to the octagon Saturday, grooving to her music, she appeared lost on her back once Frey put her on the ground. While Frey never really came close to finishing, likely negating a 10-8, it was a dominant frame from Frey.
Round two afforded Gloria de Paula to show off some of her stand-up skills. Leg kicks and combinations flowed early, and while Frey answered back, her road to victory was on the ground. de Paula flashed a right kick to the body, and found a home for her right hand. Frey was unable to capitalize off a slip by de Paula following a kick, and suddenly, half a round had ticked away, with de Paula looking much more comfortable. As much as the first round had been Frey’s the second was de Paula’s. In the dying seconds, she fended off a takedown attempt due to a caught kick.
All the marbles were on the line in round three, and it was Jinh Yu Frey scoring first with a key takedown. de Paula was a little more active off her back, and attempted to secure a kimura from bottom. Instead of sweeping with the hold, however, de Paula was stuck in place as Frey locked her hands together. By de Paula dropped the submission, Frey was able to mount, then take the back. Frey slipped in a rear-naked choke, but was too high on the back.
Official Result: Jinh Yu Frey def. Gloria de Paul by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
