Strawweights Diana Belbita and Dione Barbosa closed out the UFC Vegas 105 prelims on Saturday, with both fighters looking to bounce back from recent setbacks.
The early part of the opening round saw quick, crisp exchanges thrown between the pair, with both mixing in kicks. Belbita was landing more frequently, though Barbosa had some power behind a head kick that was blocked inside the first two minutes. It was punches in punches from Diana Belbita consistently, almost never throwing less than three at a time. Barbosa looked to land counters, firing less, but with more power.
The back half of the frame saw Diana Belbita connect with an overhand right and a push kick. Barbosa then flipped the script, backing Belbita up to the fence and landing the fight’s first takedown. She almost immediately moved the mount; Belbtia clamped down on an arm, but Barbosa found herself in position to lock up an arm-triangle choke. In an attempt to break free, or at least create space, Belbita attempted to roll over herself, but she couldn’t break the hold and was forced to tap moments later.
The win sees Barbosa rebound from a loss to Miranda Maverick last July.
Official Result: Dione Barbosa def. Diana Belbita by submission (arm-triangle choke), Round 1, 4:13
