Women’s bantamweights Yana Santos and Macy Chiasson threw down on the UFC 320 prelims, a battle of former featherweights turned 135’ers.
Chiasson had missed weight for the fight, which left Santos fuming, especially after Chiasson declined an extra hour to shed the final pound and a half.
Santos held center early in the opening round of what had become a bit of a grudge match, with Chiasson on the outside. When they clinched, Chiasson pressed forward, with the two exchanging knees in close. Santos began to take control, pushing Chiasson to the fence. More knee exchanges followed before they finally broke and regrouped. Chaisson would get her leg kicks going as the round progressed into a fairly scrappy, back-and-forth affair.
An accidental clash of heads didn’t seem to slow things down any as round two got underway. Another clinch saw Santos and Chiasson fighting in close. This time when they went to the fence it was Chiasson in control, though she couldn’t keep the fight there. Yet even when they came off the cage they were still clinched up, exchanging knees. Pursuing a takedown later in the frame, Chiasson couldn’t quite keep Santos down, with Yana soon back to her feet.
Round three played out in similar fashion, if a little less spirited. They would again spend time clinching against the fence; going down in a heap with two minutes left, Chiasson nearly had control only for Santos to break free. Another trip down, however, and Chiasson was able to get to a three-quarter position, getting in control. Chiasson would get to mount, forcing Santos to roll and give up her back. Chiasson blasted away with a few big shots then looked to secure the rear-naked choke. She was across the chin, however, and Yana Santos refused to tap.
The scorecards saw Santos take the fight with triplicate 29-28s, giving Yana the last laugh after Chiasson had come in heavy.
Official Result: Yana Santos def. Macy Chiasson by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
