Tainara Lisboa got to welcome Ravena Oliveira to the octagon on Saturday at UFC Vegas 81, in an all-Brazilian women’s bantamweight match-up. One of two on the card, in fact.
In a division low on numbers, reinforcements were a welcome sign. Ravena joined the promotion on a seven-fight win streak, while Lisboa was looking for win number two under the UFC banner.
Lisboa took the center cage to start the fight and landed two big right hands. She was waiting for Oliveira to throw and then go for it. She did just that making Oliveira pay with a barrage of shots. Oliveira didn’t slow Lisboa down holding her against the cage. Oliveira was working hard to get the takedown going for the trips. Lisboa defended well until she wasn’t and Oliveira got the takedown. It wasn’t for long though as Lisboa got back up and got a trip takedown of her own. Unlike Oliveira, Lisboa was able to solidify a top position and land ground and pound. That’s where the round ended with Lisboa on top landing short strikes.
Right when round two started Lisboa timed a really nice takedown completed with ease. She methodically moved into the mount as Oliveira looked lost completely. She was able to get full guard back but was letting Lisboa ride out on top. Lisboa wasn’t doing much on top but she was controlling the fight. Oliveira did go for an armbar that missed but was able to get back to her feet. She was never able to escape the clinch and that’s where the round ended.
In the final round Oliveira was very much in need of a finish. She clearly knew that as she came out aggressive. She did land some good punches but went right into the clinch. Lisboa landed a beautiful knee in the clinch before a failed takedown attempt. Lisboa was tired as she tried another takedown but didn’t get it. She tried a whizzer but Oliveira scrambled and landed on top. Lisboa quickly moved into side control in search of a finish. Lisboa was making a lot of mistakes giving Oliveira openings. Oliveira let Lisboa back up for some reason with thirty seconds left. Lisboa got another takedown before the end of the fight but they ended it swinging it out to the final bell.
All three judges sided with Tainara Lisboa, two rounds to one over Ravena Oliveira.
Official Result: Tainara Lisboa def Ravena Oliveira by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
