UFC Vegas 50’s Sabina Mazo and Miranda Maverick felt like something of a prospect reclamation project.
Both Maverick and Mazo had been highly touted when they arrived in the UFC, and both found early success. However, both ladies had dropped two straight, and while youth was on their side, a third consecutive loss could still press pause on their UFC run.
Before the fight even got going, Maverick deserved a point for walking out to the theme from Top Gun while wearing aviator sunglasses. With the action underway, however, she was all business.
Maverick worked on the outside of the lengthy Mazo, but soon found her entry, feinting then powering into a takedown at center, planting “The Colombian Queen” on her back. Mazo closed her guard, then transitioned to an arm-bar, but Maverick stacked her up and forced her to drop the attempt. On the way up, Maverick nearly caught Mazo, but would take her down moments later anyway.
Mazo wouldn’t stay down long, but a third takedown from Maverick came via a throw, that seemed to have Mazo going over to her back in slow motion. On top, Maverick was again in Mazo’s closed guard, but was able to work the body and mix in some elbows.
Round two had Maverick chasing a takedown early, but Mazo was well out of range. Mazo doubled up on her jab, worked in a front kick, and did whatever she could to keep Maverick from employing her wrestling. Maverick, in response, moved in with a combination, backed off, then landed the takedown the next time she closed the distance. This time, Maverick took the back, and locked up a rear-naked choke! That was tight, and Mazo was soon forced to tap.
FEAR THE MAVERICK, INDEED!!! 👀@FearTheMaverick with the slick R2 submission!
[ #UFCVegas50 | Prelims are LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/k19G7yuZ7q
— UFC (@ufc) March 12, 2022
Following the win, Maverick said she’d made it a point to show her well-rounded game, after being referred to as a striker in the UFC, despite being best known as a wrestler in her old home of Invicta. “I like to pride myself on being coachable, and being able to improve from that,” she added.
Official Result: Miranda Maverick def. Sabina Mazo by submission (rear-naked choke), Round 2, 2:15
