Strawweights Bruna Brasil and Ketlen Souza faced off in an all-Brazilian showdown at UFC Vegas 113.
Brasil was coming in off a win over Ming Shi (on Road to UFC, though it counted as a proper UFC fight), while Souza, a former Invicta champ, had lost two straight.
Souza, the shorter fighter, took this one to the fence in the opening minute, one hand wrapped around Brasil’s thigh. She couldn’t land the takedown, and Brasil reversed, only to be reversed again. Several minutes ticked off the clock in this position, and when they did hit the mat, it was Brasil in control for just a moment before they popped back up. Souza took the lead again on the feet, pressing the taller Brasil against the fence.
Round two saw more action play out at land, with about a minute of back-and-forth before Souza closed the distance, taking Brasil back to the fence. Brasil quickly reversed; Souza turned back around moments later. Again, the bulk of the round would play out on the fence, with Souza in control for much of it. Brasil, more effective at range, was seeing her offense essentially completely neutralized in this position.
Round three gave Brasil a chance to work at range, but Souza appeared up to the challenge, even firing a spinning back kick, and ripping the body. A head kick was blocked by Brasil. Souza went in on a takedown near the midway mark, and while Brasil fought it off she was pinned against the fence again. This time she wouldn’t stay there, freeing herself, getting back to center, and firing a side kick. Souza nearly landed a takedown, and Brasil was running out of time. Run out of time she did, with Ketlen Souza coming away with the decision win.
Official Result: Ketlen Souza def. Bruna Brasil by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
