Maycee Barber fought off five takedowns from Andrea Lee en route to a split-decision win at UFC San Antonio.
Back on a roll in the UFC women’s flyweight division, Maycee Barber was getting another step up in competition as she took on Andrea Lee at UFC San Antonio on Saturday night.
The main card match-up saw the #13-ranked Barber looking to push towards the top 10 against #11-ranked “KGB” Lee.
Barber had won three straight, while Lee was looking to bounce back from a loss to Viviane Araujo last year.
Andrea Lee was the aggressor out of the gate, taking Barber down immediately into side control. Barber used unique defense, trapping the right arm of Lee across her back using her legs. A couple of crucifix-like elbows were landed by Barber from the bottom as Lee had no arm to defend until it popped loose during the attack from Barber. Lee nearly took the back of Barber during the ensuing scramble, but Barber was able to get to her feet. Head kicks were traded, followed by Barber connecting with several leg kicks. Barber landed an elbow near the end of the round.
Barber started the second with a two-punch combination. After several kicks by both fighters came up short, Lee landed a combination of her own. A right hand by Lee connected following a caught kick. Barber shot for a takedown and completed it, but Lee sprung back to her feet right away. A head kick snapped the head of Barber back, then Barber swung for the fences landing several hard blows. Lee responded with a quick single-leg takedown and gained half guard. Lee stood up and Barber stayed on her back, allowing Lee to land a pair of axe kicks. KGB re-entered guard before the end of the round and battered Barber with hammer fists to the bell.
With two rounds seemingly under her belt, Lee was not as aggressive as in previous rounds. Barber was dictating the pace on the feet with kicks. Barber then shot for a takedown and Lee went down again. Top control did not last though, as Lee scrambled to her feet and dumped Barber to the mat with a slick single leg, not following her to top control. Barber returned to her feet and Lee responded with a body lock takedown, finishing the fight in top position.
Maycee Barber def. Andrea Lee by Split Decision (30-27, 29-28, 28-29)
