Kay Hansen was left bewildered and visibly upset after a weight cut gone wrong ahead of UFC 273. But come Saturday, it was on to the fight, which saw the former Invicta FC standout paired up with Dana White’s Contender Series winner Piera Rodriguez.
It was potentially a must-win for Hansen, but the debuting Rodriguez wound up beating her at her own game — taking over in the wrestling/grappling department as the fight progressed.
Hearing @BruceBuffer introduce you is a feeling unlike any other 😁
[ #UFC273 | Early Prelims are LIVE on @UFCFightPass & @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/wiL8kcFth7
— UFC (@ufc) April 9, 2022
Both girls started off in and out with combinations. Hansen was getting the best of the exchanges early with the quicker hand speed. Hansen ended up changing levels for a takedown and pressed Rodriguez to the cage. Hansen worked a single leg to take the fight down and Rodriguez got right back up. Another takedown came by Hansen but again Rodriguez got right back to her feet. Rodriguez landed two good hooks to the body and Hansen got another takedown. Hansen passed guard into side control and did threaten with an arm triangle to end the round.
Rodriguez was busier in the output department at the start of the second round. She started to let her hands go and then threw a kick; Hansen caught it. Hansen used that to press Rodriguez against the cage. Heavy on the takedown attempt but Rodriguez created space. Not long after Hansen shot deep on a takedown but still Rodriguez was able to keep standing. In the clinch, Rodriguez turned it around and got a takedown of her own. In a scramble, Rodriguez took the back. Rodriguez ends the round on top.
In the final round Hansen threw a kick and this time it was Rodriguez who caught it and got the takedown. Hansen was working on a sweep and Rodriguez recognized it and let Hansen back up. Hansen threw a kick and Rodriguez landed a left hook that got the attention of Hansen. It was Rodriguez in the clinch working on a takedown and almost had it a few times. Rodriguez did control Hansen against the cage for a good amount of time. When they did separate Rodriguez ended the fight with a takedown in space.
Official Result: Piera Rodríguez def. Kay Hansen by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
