Out of action for over a year, Julija Stoliarenko returned at UFC Vegas 109, taking on Brazil’s Gabriella Fernandes.
Stoliarenko had undergone elbow surgery, and opened her own gym, during her time away. Fernandes had won two straight, including a victory over Wang Cong.
There was plenty of feeling out and circling early, with Stoliarenko holding center and Fernandes circling on the outside, looking to counter. Stoliarenko would look to cut off the cage and had to be warry of high kicks, while attacking with low kicks and her own right hand. With about two minutes left, Fernandes popped off a two-punch combo that connected. A moment later, Stoliarenko closed the distance, looking to tie things up against the cage – but she could not keep the action there, Fernandes quickly breaking free. Gabriella would land to the body, and fired another kick there moments later. The body work was the Brazilian’s best weapon through the opening five minutes.
Stoliarenko changed levels and shot for a single-leg takedown early in round two. Fernandes, however, would defend and push her off. Another high kick from Fernandes followed. Stolianrenko, meanwhile, had a trail of blood leaking down one side of her face. More hard kicks to the body would land for Fernandes, while the bloodied Stoliarenko would shoot for another takedown attempt. Again, Fernandes was able to fight it off. On the feet, even when she was landing, Stoliarenko didn’t have much behind her shots and was being outgunned, or just overpowered.
Julija Stoliarenko, almost certainly down two rounds, put the pressure on early in round three. A takedown attempt was bailed on early, Stoliarenko pulling back when it was clear she was too far out. Fernandes landed a counter. Stolianrenko was also landing, but was out of range and not connecting clean. Just past two minutes in, Stoliarenko was able to close the distance off a Fernandes kick, tying things up. While she landed a few punches to the bread basket, Stolianrenko could not get the fight down. They’d finish out the round with no question as to the winner.
Official Result: Gabriella Fernandes def. Julija Stoliarenko by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
