A teammate of Kayla Harrison at American Top Team, Michelle Montague made her promotional debut at UFC Perth, taking on Brazil’s Luana Carolina.
Montague had plied her trade in Bellator MMA and the PFL previously, where she competed as a featherweight. Undefeated at 6-0, she was making the move down to 135lbs to face Carolina in Perth, not far from Montague’s native New Zealand.
Of note, Michelle Montague became the first female fighter from New Zealand to compete in the UFC as of the Perth card.
Montague opened the fight with heavy forward pressure, but Carolina used her length and teeps to keep her at bay. Montague slowed her pace, looking for openings, while Carolina found success landing her left hand as Montague pressed forward. Eventually, Montague cut off the cage, changed levels, and lifted Carolina for a takedown. From top position, she stayed busy with ground-and-pound despite being cut by an elbow from the bottom. Carolina threatened with an armbar, but Montague adjusted well and closed the round on top.
In round two, Carolina buckled Montague’s legs with a clean shot, but Montague quickly dropped levels for an easy takedown. While grounded, Carolina landed an illegal upkick to Montague’s face, costing her a point and resetting the action on the feet. Montague worked back into the clinch but couldn’t finish the takedown, only to later dive on an ankle pick and secure top position again. From north-south, she chased a kimura but nearly allowed Carolina to scramble. Regaining control, Montague advanced to mount and hammered home elbows to end the round strong.
With Carolina in desperate need of a finish in round three, she opened with a clean combination that snapped Montague’s head back. Montague immediately countered with a takedown, secured side control, and punished her with more heavy elbows. Though Carolina repeatedly worked to her hip, she couldn’t escape. Montague transitioned through guard, lifted, and slammed her back to the mat, moving straight into mount. Giving up the position to chase a triangle, Montague still maintained top pressure and damage. In the final seconds, she took Carolina’s back and threatened a rear-naked choke. Carolina survived to become the first fighter to take Montague to the scorecards, but it was Montague’s hand raised in the end.
Official Result: Michelle Montague def. Luana Carolina by unanimous decision (29-26, 30-25, 30-26)
