Among a number of debuting fighters at UFC Vegas 101 on Saturday was Nicolle Caliari, who had earned her way into the UFC with a victory over Corinne Laframboise on Dana White’s Contender Series last season.
On Saturday, she was paired up with Ernesta Kareckaitė, a Lithuanian who had come up short in her own promotional debut last May.
In the opening round, Caliari was the first to let her hands fly, beating Kareckaitė to the punch while mixing in some sharp leg kicks. She attempted a well-timed takedown, but Kareckaitė was quick to stuff it. As Kareckaitė pressed forward, Caliari responded with combinations and another takedown attempt. Despite Caliari’s efforts, it was Kareckaitė who was more aggressive, constantly moving forward. When Kareckaitė started to land some punches, Caliari slowed the pace with another takedown attempt. This time, she successfully completed the takedown, but Kareckaitė was quick to scramble back to her feet. In the final seconds of the round, Kareckaitė landed a few clean shots from her range, ending the round on a high note.
In round two, Kareckaitė found her rhythm and began to take control, pressing forward with more confidence. Caliari did a good job of breaking the pressure with combinations and takedown attempts. However, Kareckaitė was settling in and growing more comfortable. She successfully defended a takedown and transitioned to top position. Knowing Caliari’s recent armbar victory, Kareckaitė wisely backed off to her feet. From range, Kareckaitė landed several effective teeps, and despite her reach advantage, she also found success on the inside with short, sharp punches. Caliari missed another takedown attempt, while Kareckaitė picked up the pace, not only increasing her output but also using feints to keep her opponent guessing. By the end of the round, Kareckaitė had turned the momentum in her favor with a dominant performance.
In the final round, Caliari ramped up the pace, pressing harder than in the previous rounds. She threw crisp combinations, mixing up attacks to the head, body, and legs. Despite landing clean shots, Kareckaitė showed no visible reaction. Caliari managed to take Kareckaitė’s back while standing and attempted to bring her down, but Kareckaitė’s size made it difficult. Caliari responded with a solid body shot and a sharp one-two, maintaining steady activity throughout. With just over a minute remaining, Caliari secured a takedown and was able to keep Kareckaitė grounded. While she didn’t land much damage, Caliari controlled the position and ended the fight on top.
Official Result: Ernesta Kareckaitė def. Nicolle Caliari by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
