Women’s flyweights Natalia Silva and Victoria Leonardo clashed early on the UFC Vegas 73 preliminary card.
A former Invicta FC talent and Dana White’s Contender Series winner, Leonardo was coming off her first win inside the octagon, against Mandy Bohm. Silva was 2-0 in the company, and sitting on an eight-fight win streak overall.
Leonardo was a sizeable underdog coming into the fight, the biggest on the UFC Vegas 73 card. And while she proved game early, standing and trading, Silva soon showed why she was the heavy favorite. The Brazilian sat Victoria Leonardo down with a left hand, showing an edge in both speed and accuracy. The hook finished off a three-punch combination, and was followed by a series of head kicks.
While she did not go down again from the head kicks, Leonardo was clearly done, covering up against the fence, not moving. That was enough to send the ref in, and give Natalia Silva her ninth consecutive victory, and third inside the UFC octagon.
Left, right, W 💥 #UFCVegas73 pic.twitter.com/L4GicGZUMl
— UFC (@ufc) May 20, 2023
A clearly elated Silva told UFC analyst Michael Bisping that “I am so happy,” following the fight, saying that she had a dream, and belief in God, which helped her secure the finish. “Hey Dana, give me my bonus!” she added.
Official Result: Natalia Silva def. Victoria Leonardo by TKO, Round 1, 2:58
