After coming up short in her promotional debut back in January on Fight Island, Bellator and Invicta FC alum Victoria Leonardo was hoping for a better result at Saturday’s UFC 265.
Opposite Leonardo in Houston was Brazil’s Melissa Gatto, an undefeated flyweight who was finally making her octagon debut after several cancellations.
In the time since her last bout, in September 2018, Gatto had seen no fewer than five fights fall through. In that sense, even making it to the cage on Saturday night was a victory.
Exchanges of kicks and punches peppered the early going in Leonardo vs. Gatto. The Brazilian’s stand-up looked solid; before long, she locked up a clinch, looking for a takedown. While Leoardo fended off the attempt with underhooks, she was soon planted on her back care of a trip. Gatto then went after an arm-bar, giving up her spot on top to get it. Yet while Leonardo fought off the submission, Gatto was able to transition to the back, and soon had hooks in.
With Gatto a little too high up on the back, Leonardo was finally able to reverse and get on top. But Melissa Gatto had at the very least proven that she was dangerous everywhere. Leonardo had finally had enough, got up and allowed her opponent back to her feet.
Gatto caught Leonardo with a counter early in the second. Leoardo for her part was finding success with her jab. The American was slowly being backed up against the fence, however, while Gatto’s jab/cross was landing consistently. Leonardo finally went for a takedown, nearly landed it, but Gatto escaped at the last moment. Leonardo would land off the break, but soon she was again backing up.
Heading into the third, Leonardo could be overheard telling her corner that her right arm “does not work.” Asked if it was broken, Leonardo wasn’t sure, and said she was ready to continue. The cageside physician had other ideas, however. Checking on the limb, he declared it broken, and waved off the fight.
No doubting the toughness of @VLeo0216.
Doctor stops this one after round 2️⃣. #UFC256 pic.twitter.com/dkZGabeKjL
— UFC (@ufc) August 7, 2021
Frankly, the doctor made the right call — there was little need for Victoria Leonardo to take more damage in a fight she was likely to lose anyway.
Official Result: Melissa Gatto def. Victoria Leonardo by TKO (doctor’s stoppage), Round 2, 5:00
