Brazilian strawweights Polyana Viana and Iasmin Lucindo faced off at UFC Vegas 78 on Saturday, with both fighters coming in off single wins in their most recent bouts.
Lucindo, the youngest female fighter on the roster, had a ten year advantage in youth, but was giving up height, reach, and quite obviously experience. It was Viana finding success with kicks early, low and to the body, which allowed her to clinch up and then land a takedown roughly 90 seconds into the fight.
Lucindo closed her guard while Viana made painstakingly slow progress trying to advance position, which led to a stand-up by the ref. With two minutes still on the clock, it was still anyone’s round, but Viana had the edge to that point. Lucindo flashed some spinning attacks, but a kick was caught by Viana. It was Lucindo, however, landing the takedown after a clinch. Lucindo appeared to have Viana trapped thanks to some smart knee placement, but just ahead of the bell, Polyana pushed her off.
Iasmin Lucindo was light on her feet, practically bouncing to start the second. She then landed a nasty shot that had Viana rocked. Lucindo stayed patient, but may have allowed Viana to recover. With three minutes remaining, Lucindo got the fight down, but as with Viana in the first, there was little progress from Lucindo, who was sitting in half-guard. That drew a warning from the ref to work — and she did. Lucindo set up an arm-triangle choke, and she had it! Viana soon gave a quick tap. and Lucindo had her second straight win inside the octagon.
A prospect to WATCH, ladies and gents! 👀@Iasmin_Lucindo | #UFCVegas78 is LIVE on @ESPN pic.twitter.com/ojVWgn1Gev
— UFC (@ufc) August 13, 2023
Official Result: Iasmin Lucindo def. Polyana Viana by submission (arm-triangle choke), Round 2, 3:42
