While Loopy Godinez would likely have the Mexican crowd behind her at UFC Mexico City, where she faced Julia Polastri, she’d actually spent the entirety of her camp in her other home, Canada.
Godinez had, however, travelled to Mexico City early to adjust to elevation, which hopefully would not be a factor in the fight.
Loopy went right to work in Saturday’s strawweight clash, firing her right hand, much to the delight of fans at the Arena CDMX. They kicked off a “Loopy” chant, as the Mexican-Canadian walked Polastri down, caught a kick, and dumped her on her back with force, getting some decent air on the slam. When Polastri did escape back up, Godinez took her right back down, sitting in side mount, though she would end up back in half guard before long. The “Loopy” chant from fans shifted to a “Mexico” chant and regardless, Loopy was dominating on top, drilling elbows to the body and thigh of Polastri.
Round two had Godinez put Polastri on the fence early, though she couldn’t keep her there. Instead, they moved back to center, where Polastri was able to use her length and rip off a side kick that was blocked, but still landed with an audible crack. Godinez feigned a level change, and when Polastri jabbed her way inside, Loopy returned fire, then changed levels and landed another takedown. Godinez would finish the frame on top and headed to the third almost certainly up two rounds to none.
A couple of brief exchanges on the feet saw Godinez and Polastri both land a few, before Godinez changed levels for a takedown. She couldn’t land it, but would later fire off a knee, keeping Polastri guessing on what was coming next. Polastri fired a lead elbow, and added a knee in the clinch, not entirely out of the fight but nowhere near close to winning it, barring a finish. She gave it her all, marching forward, tagging Godinez more than once, practically ignoring several jabs landed by Godinez in the process.
On her heels for the first time in the fight, Godinez switched to takedown mode, but Polastri fought it off. Buoyed, Polastri continued to march forward, throwing uppercuts and right hands. Godinez fired back wildly, but was showing damage, and signs of slowing. With just under two minutes remaining Godinez tied things up, and ate up some time. Polastri reversed and peeled free with just over a minute remaining, going back on the hunt. Polastri was refusing to go away, but had just 30 seconds to find a finish. Loopy connected with some looping hooks, with Polastri answering. Loopy then tied things up, with a weak standing arm triangle attempt that did allow her to take Polastri down one last time.
What had started to look like a one-sided showcase for Loopy Godinez ended in a war thanks to a game Julia Polastri – but it was Loopy getting the win nonetheless.
Official Result: Loopy Godinez def. Julia Polastri by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
