Sijara Eubanks returned to the flyweight division on Saturday, after spending a bit of time up at 135. A finalist on The Ultimate Fighter forced out due to weight-cutting troubles during the flyweight season, Eubanks appeared to have solved her weight struggles heading into UFC Vegas 32.
Opposite Eubanks was short-notice opponent Elise Reed. A strawweight who could potentially move down to atomweight, she instead moved up for the fight. The CFFC strawweight champ was undefeated to start the evening, but had just four professional fights to her name.
She didn’t stay undefeated for long. Sijara Eubanks charged out of the gate Saturday at UFC Vegas 32, and quickly proved that Sarj really was in charge. Eubanks converted a takedown with ease, planting newcomer Reed on her back. With a hefty size and strength advantage, Eubanks transitioned to mount with little resistance. From there, the ground and pound flowed, elbows and punches smashing away at Reed. Before long the ref had seen enough — but not quick enough, as Reed’s eye had swollen shut before she was able to get back to her feet.
For Sijara Eubanks, the win snapped a two-fight losing skid, and at the very least buys her some leeway back at 125lbs. Reed, meanwhile, who stepped in to replace Karol Rosa, can at least say she has her foot in the door, and will stick around for another fight — but that will likely be a way’s off thanks to what could very well be a broken orbital bone.
Official Result: Sijara Eubanks def. Elise Reed by TKO, Round 1, 3:49
