Melissa Dixon made her promotional debut at UFC Vegas 81 on Saturday, taking on Irina Alekseeva in a women’s bantamweight fight.
With the weight class always in need of new blood, Dixon had a chance to be a fresh face, and started the night with an undefeated record. Alekseeva, known as the “Russian Ronda,” was coming off a win her her own debut.
The fight started with Alekseeva getting busy right away with the kicks. Alekseeva was throwing a ton of those, but they were landing with little impact. Dixon was precise and was throwing some nice straight punches. Every time Dixon was landed she was snapping the head of Alekseeva back, underscoring the impact of each strike. For her part, Alekseeva was throwing wild with little technique. When she did throw a straight punch she landed a right hand sitting Dixon down. Dixon was able to work her way back to the feet but Alekseeva took her back down. Alekseeva was too high and let Dixon sneak her way onto the back to end the round.
Round two got started and Dixon tried to get some respect back with the jab. They clashed and as Alekseeva tried a throw Dixon defended and wound up in mount. Alekseeva gave up her back as Dixon was pounding away. Alekseeva was in a tough spot as Dixon was tight on the back. Even when Alekseeva almost escaped Dixon’s adjustments were nice. Dixon nearly started on the back and that’s where she ended the round.
To start the final frame, it was likely one round a piece. They started by just letting their hands go. Both ladies were tired and they were slugging it out as both were leaking blood from the face. Alekseeva hit a judo throw but Dixon scrambled back up and put Alekseeva on her back. Very quickly just like in round two Dixon transitioned right into mount. Alekseeva was trying to explode and move but Dixon was lockdown in position. Dixon was going from the mount to the back wearing on Alekseeva. Dixon ended the round in mount smashing Alekseeva with elbows — and took the fight on the scorecards. She moves to 6-0 with the victory, admitting following the fight that it wasn’t her best performance, but calling for a bonus from Dana White.
Official Result: Melissa Dixon def. Irina Alekseeva by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
