Diana Belbita utilized a strong striking performance against Hannah Goldy to get her first Octagon victory at UFC Vegas 32.
UFC Vegas 32 marked the strawweight debuts of both Diana Belbita and Hannah Goldy, and both were returning from a year away from the cage. Belbita had not fought in just a day short of a year, when she fell to 0-2 in the UFC with a loss to Liana Jojua. Goldy hadn’t fought since her promotional debut in August of 2019, when she lost a grappling-heavy decision to Miranda Granger.
Belbita countered a head kick with a two punch combination right away and Goldy went back to the head kick four more times, with just one being blocked. Belbita was focusing on her hands, mixing in a leg kick here and there. The stronger Goldy forced a brief clinch and Belbita was able to return to the center. Goldy had one of her kicks caught and was knocked down by a right hand. She popped back up to her feet and Belbita was swarming with punches and knees. Fortunately for Goldy, she was able to get a hold of a leg and stop the onslaught with a takedown. Belbita got off of her back and began landing more punching combinations, forcing Goldy to clinch up to slow the offense. The fighters separated at the end of the round with Belbita landing a strong straight right.
Goldy opened the second round with another high kick and a multi-punch combination. A strong straight right connected for Goldy at the end of a combination that answered a Belbita leg kick. Belbita pushed forward and landed another long right straight, leading Goldy right into the clinch again. The same sequence happened after they separated. Belbita was winning the striking exchanges with ease as the round went on with the right hand doing significant damage. A big head kick landed for Goldy near the end of the round.
Goldy utilized combinations early on and had the edge in striking for the first minute. A two-punch combination for Goldy was answered by a Belbita head kick. A big right hand stung Goldy and Belbita followed up with a lengthy combination. Goldy desperately got a hold of Belbita and drove her to the cage. They separated after a minute of clinching and Goldy was able to get a takedown right into mount with 20 seconds left in the fight. She pummeled Belbita with a elbows as time ticked away, but Belbita was able to survive.
Diana Belbita def. Hannah Goldy by Unanimous Decision (30-27 x3)
