After signing to the UFC at just 19, Alice Pereira looked to bounce back from a loss in her promotional debut when she took on Hailey Cowan in bantamweight action at UFC Vegas 115.
Pereira opened Saturday’s action with a leg kick, with the pair exchanging shortly after. Cowan held center, but it was Pereira finding success with her hands. Cowan flashed a high kick, then finally closed the distance and clinched up; against the fence, she was unable to get the fight down. Pereira meanwhile fired a superman punch and step-in knee. Big looping punches followed, and Cowan again pursued a takedown, this time briefly dragging Pereira to the ground. Not for long however. Cowan would clinch up again late in the round, before Pereira broke free with 30 seconds left on the clock.
Cowan would score a key, emphatic takedown about 90 seconds into round two, planting Pereira on her back well away from the fence. Cowan positioned her opponent away from the fence, with Pereira trying to push off and create a scramble. Cowan wound up backing off for a moment before wading back into Pereira’s guard. Cowan would spend plenty of time on top before backing off again, much to her chagrin. Moments after returning to the feet, Cowan ate a blistering knee that knocked her out cold!
Certainly a stylish way for the UFC’s current youngest female fighter to claim her first victory in the promotion.
Official Result: Alice Pereira def. Hailey Cowan by KO (knee), Round 2, 4:24
