Iasmin Lucindo, the youngest female on the UFC roster at 22, faced fellow Brazilian Marina Rodriguez at UFC 307 on Saturday.
The strawweight pairing was a chance for Lucindo to launch herself into the spotlight, given Rodriguez had long been considered a possible title hopeful in the weight class.
Earlier on, it was Rodriguez controlling the action, taking slow, methodical steps forward. Just under two minutes in, Rodriguez dumped Lucindo off a kick, but instead of jumping on top of her opponent, backed off, allowing Lucindo back to her feet. And for good reason – a moment later, Rodriguez struck with a right hand, connecting clean. Later in the round, Rodriguez could graze the top of Lucindo’s head. But when they went to the ground, it was Iasmin getting on top, working from half-guard and finishing the round there.
In the second round, Lucindo earned herself more time on top. If there was a criticism to be made, it was that she didn’t do much with that time, with the ref eventually warning her to get busy, and the crowd reacting with jeers and boos. Still, the official did not stand the pair up until about 30 seconds remained in the round. That gave time for a spinning back kick, and a combo or two from Rodriguez, but nothing else, and none of it seemed to damage Lucindo.
Another strong showing from Lucindo in round three, care of a hard-fought, well-earned takedown, was taken away moments later. With a bloodied Rodriguez on her back, the ref noticed Lucindo driving her chin into the eye socket of her opponent. That resulted in a stand-up, and a hard warning from the ref. Lucindo would lose the position as well. The discipline from the ref came in stark contrast to the lack of fouls called in the Cesar Almeida-Ihor Potieria fight, which saw no fewer than five eye pokes on Potieria go uncalled by the official there.
Regardless, the rest of the round played out without issue, and they’d go the distance, finishing on the ground again.
Official Result: Iasmin Lucindo def. Marina Rodriguez by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
