Katlyn Chookagian made it 2-0 in the series against Jennifer Maia, defeating the Brazilian once again at UFC Vegas 46.
A rematch of their first meeting roughly two years ago, top women’s flyweights Katlyn Chookagian and Jennifer Maia faced off on the UFC Vegas 46 main card.
Their first meeting had ended with Chookagian earning a unanimous decision victory. But since then, Maia had managed to land herself a title fight with Valentina Shevchenko — and while she didn’t win the bout, she arguably found more success than Chookagian did in her own shot at gold.
Chookagian opened the fight with her trademark pressure and landed a crispy 1-2 clean to open the action. Maia landed a slick right hand in response but soon ate a push kick that sent her spiraling across the octagon. After resetting, Maia landed a chopping leg kick, and the two began trading in the pocket. Chookagian decided against that strategy and quickly got a big takedown to land in half guard. Chookagian did good work from the top, but Maia was able to scramble up to end the frame on the feet.
Chookagian came out with more pressure in round two and quickly found a home for her jab. Maia tried her best to score with the right hand, but Chookagian was able to just glide out of range. Maia shot for a couple of takedowns to no avail, and she ate a big knee after a failed attempt. Maia then was reversed on a takedown attempt, and Chookagian ended up with Maia’s back and tried to get a rear-naked choke attempt. However, she would run out of time as the round ended.
Chookagian continued with her approach in the third and final frame. She continued trading at a safe distance and continued landing her 1-2 seemingly anytime she wanted to. Maia tried her best to push forward and land the big right, but Chookagian saw them coming from a mile away. Chookagian did her best to get the durable Brazilian out of there but was unable to, but when the judges’ scorecard was read there was no doubt.
Katlyn Chookagian def. Jennifer Maia by Unanimous Decision (30-27 x3)
