Welcoming Karine Silva to the octagon at UFC Vegas 56 on Saturday was fellow Brazilian Poliana Botelho.
The women’s flyweight match-up featured on the Fight Night event’s main card and saw Botelho returning to action after over a year on the sidelines. Silva, meanwhile, was debuting after winning her way into the promotion on Dana White’s Contender Series.
Botelho was off to a good start with more success on the outside with a lot of kicks. Silva was throwing some kicks as well, catching up to Botelho before long. Silva was more busy throwing in the first, but wasn’t as accurate as Botelho. Silva eventually landed a big right hand and fell right into top position for a recorded takedown. Botelho was showing good movement but got caught. Silva locked in a d’arce choke as Botelho was adjusting and it was tight! It wasn’t long before Botelho tapped.
WHAT A FINISH! Welcome to the UFC @KillerKarine!#UFCVegas56 pic.twitter.com/sNsdroiEQo
— UFC (@ufc) June 4, 2022
An impressive debut for the Contender Series veteran, who had to wait over seven months to finally debut on the big stage. The submission victory extends her winning streak to six, with finishes in all six of those contests. She should be one to watch in the flyweight division moving forward.
Official Result: Karina Silva def. Poliana Botelho by Submission (D’arce choke), Round 1, 4:55
