Former strawweight title challenger Kowalkiewicz righted the ship in her last fight, after a rough five fight skid. Her opponent at UFC 281 would be Entram Gym trainee Gomez Juarez, a striker known for her knockout power but a deficiency to grappling, having been armbarred in her first two UFC fights before scoring an impressive, eighty-two second knockout over Liang Na in her last fight.

Despite being the same age on paper as her opponent at thirty-seven years old, Kowalkiewicz was much older in fight years having fought in major promotions like KSW and Invicta starting in 2012 and in the UFC since 2015. The question was if that experience could win out against the hard hitting newcomer.

The athletes came out trading jabs, with Juarez being more active initially as she tried to draw Kowalkiewicz into the knockout shot. Kowalkiewicz began to use the front foot to push Juarez back. Karolina was then able to take her down off of a caught leg kick and immediately transition to the back with both hooks in, then switch to a body triangle. Juarez used the wrist control to avoid getting submitted as she tried to escape. She got to her knees but Kowalkiewicz stayed on the back expertly. The fence helped Juarez clear one hook momentarily but then Karolina got back on right away and snaked her forearm under Juarez’s chin as the Mexican fighter tried to stand up. Juarez was able to survive but was being thoroughly dominated. Finally, in the last minute, Juarez was able to clear both hooks and get to a knee but Karolina kept blanketing her. Pure explosion helped Silvana finally get back to her feet in the last twenty seconds of the round, which ended with Juarez landing a body punch. The round could easily be scored 10-8 for Kowalkiewicz.

Kowalkiewicz got immediately on the front foot again, pushing Juarez backwards as she had in the first round and making her opponent uncomfortable. Kowalkiewicz tried to use a blitzing combo into a takedown but Juarez was aware and pushed her away from her hips. Still, Silvana was getting hit and not landing her own shots very often. Finally, halfway through the round, she landed a big overhand right but it must have been discouraging to see Kowalkiewicz eat it with no issues. The pair traded combos back and forth as Karolina stalked Gomez-Juarez across the octagon constantly. Juarez was landing slightly more in the latter parts of the round but was still seemingly behind on the scorecards. A big knee in the collar tie from Kowalkiewicz landed to close out the round, although Silvana almost hit referee Mark Goddard in trying to get that one back as the bell rang.

The activity of Juarez was high to start the final round and she did not show any signs of slowing. Some big combos in the pocket landed after a minute from Juarez but Kowalkiewicz kept walking her down, undeterred by anything coming her way. A big right overhand may have stunned Karolina momentarily as she tried to clinch with Juarez, but the Pole recovered quickly. Silvana was beginning to occasionally target the body mid-combination and it seemed effective. Despite her corner calling for a takedown between rounds, Kowalkiewicz had showed no signs of shooting one in the third. Karolina Kowalkiewicz was able to bundle over Juarez with one minute left in the fight but as she tried to take the back Juarez was able to push her off, spring to her feet, and get back to striking distance. Karolina went for another collar tie late and landed some knees inside. The women swung big shots for the last ten seconds until the bell rang.

The fight got competitive in rounds two and three but when Juarez was put on her back in round three it may have appeared to the judges to be a knockdown, and round two was close but with perhaps an edge for Kowalkiewicz. There was some kerfuffle with the scorecards late as a commissioner came in and seemed to change the scores for the third round on the scorecards.

When the teacher says pencils down ✏️ #UFC281 pic.twitter.com/n4gx5nc2vL

— UFC (@ufc) November 13, 2022

The crowd, the commentary, and surely fans at home yelled out in confusion. The situation dragged on for another two minutes to the puzzlement of everyone. When the decision was finally read out by Bruce Buffer, all three judges had Karolina Kowalkiewicz winning the fight 29-28. The former title challenger broke down in tears as not that long ago she was on a five fight losing streak and her job was in question. But now, after moving to American Top Team when invited by fellow Polish legend Joanna Jędrzejczyk, she sits on a two fight winning streak at thirty-seven years old.

Official Result: Karolina Kowalkeiwicz def. Silvana Gomez Juarez by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

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Those hot takes fizzled when the event arrived, with wall-to-wall action care of thrilling finishes, surprising upsets (and near upsets), and a title changing hands atop the card in a classic light heavyweight scrap.

That aforementioned main event saw Glover Teixeira and Jiri Prochazka battling all the way into the fifth and final round, something few, for all their hot takes, had predicted ahead of time. At 42, Teixeira had not only hung in there with the wild, unorthodox striking of the Czech challenger, he’d actually begun winning on the feet. But on the grappling side of things, the champ got sloppy, and late in a fight he was on his way to winning, he was caught in a rear-naked choke.

An exhausted Teixeira tapped, all of 28 seconds away from retaining his title. Instead, Prochazka’s hand was raised in victory, in one of the most memorable light heavyweight fights in ages. Certainly memorable enough to secure Fight of the Night.

Performance of the Night bonuses? Well, those went to… everyone who had a finish on the card. Taking a page out of the UFC London card back in March, all fighters with a finish on Saturday’s card were handed a Performance bonus. Those included Silvana Gomez Juarez, who knocked out Na Liang in an early strawweight fight, and Weili Zhang, who floored Joanna Jedrzejczyk in their highly anticipated rematch. Two strawweight knockouts in a single night — now there’s something you don’t see every day.

Promotional newcomer Hayisaer Maheshate, Jack Della Maddalena, and Jake Matthews also picked up Performance of the Night bonuses at UFC 275.

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While Zhang-Jedrzejczyk 2 had the lion’s share of the attention, however, Liang Na had a memorable scrap in her promotional debut last year, and was now looking to return to the win column. Meanwhile, Juarez had lost two straight after arriving in the UFC on a three-fight win streak.

Two fighters with their backs to the wall often produce fireworks, and that was the case again on Saturday.

After a touch of gloves, both fighters took the center of the octagon. A jab and front kick from Na started the fight. An overhand from Na landed, and then a few seconds later, Na shot for a takedown which Juarez defended. Next, Na slipped off a head kick but got back up. Juarez landed a right hand that stunned Na and then followed it up with another one that put Na’s lights out!!

OH MY GOOOOOOOOOOODNESS!!!!! @Silvana_Malvada just came in and delivered a KO 🤯

[ #UFC275 | Early Prelims LIVE on @UFCFightPass & @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/Cwi6UGa8DE

— UFC (@ufc) June 11, 2022

With her back against the wall, Juarez picked up her long-awaited first UFC win after dropping her first two. On the other hand, Na is now on a two-fight losing streak and will most likely be fighting for her job next time out.

Official Result: Silvana Gomez Juarez def. Liang Na by knockout (punch), Round 1, 1:22

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ESPN Deportes was first to report that Silvana Gomez Juarez (10-4) will face China’s Na Liang (15-5) at the event. Both fighters subsequently confirmed the booking on social media.

Juarez, 37, has lost her first two outings inside the octagon, and will be entering must-win territory this July. In her promotional debut, she came up short against Loopy Godinez; that was followed by a second loss, to Vanessa Demopoulos.

Both defeats saw Juarez tap to an arm-bar. Prior to entering the UFC, the Argentinian fighter had won three straight bouts.

Na Liang will enter the bout off a wild debut fight against Ariane Carnelossi. Liang had her moments in the fight, coming close to victory before being put away in the second round. The 25-year old had won five straight, all under the WLF banner, prior to entering the UFC.

UFC 275 is expected to take place in Singapore on June 11, 2022. Two title fights top the card, which currently breaks down as follows:

Glover Teixeira (c) vs. Jiri Prochazka – for the UFC light heavyweight championship
Valentina Shevchenko (c) vs. Taila Santos – for the UFC women’s flyweight championship
Robert Whittaker vs. Marvin Vettori
Silvana Gomez Juarez vs. Na Liang

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Originally scheduled for UFC Vegas 46 a week ago, Silvana Gomez Juarez vs. Vanessa Demopoulos was pushed back a week, but finally arrived as part of Saturday’s UFC 270 early prelims.

Arrived in style, frankly.

The strawweight bout had Demopoulos returning to her natural weight class of 115lbs, after making her debut on short notice at flyweight last year. With Juarez having come up short against Loopy Godinez in her own promotional debut back in October, both fighters were looking to get back in the win column.

Juarez opened up active, landing a couple of leg kicks as well as a massive right hand that caught the attention of Demopoulos. Demopoulos tried to return fire but was caught by another, even more massive right hand and was sat down badly as a result. Juarez landed some massive shots on the ground, but referee Frank Trigg didn’t call an end to the fight. Demopoulos then pulled guard and quickly began an armbar attempt that was sunk in almost immediately. Juarez tried to gut out of the submission but once Demopoulos torqued on the arm that was it! An incredible comeback victory for Vanessa Demopoulos.

WHAT A COMEBACK! @Monster_Demo gets the first round submission!

[ #UFC270 | Early Prelims LIVE on @UFCFightPass & E+ ] pic.twitter.com/A8uKo6Qtld

— UFC (@ufc) January 23, 2022

With the come-from-behind win, Vanessa Demopoulos officially has her first win in the UFC, and in amazing fashion. Having to rally, “Lil Monster” even admitted in her post-fight interview with Joe Rogan that she actually woke up on the mat after being knocked down by Juarez in the early exchange. She then proceeded to have Rogan lift her up in celebration.

On the other end, Silvana Gomez Juarez showcased a lot of power in her second fight in the UFC, especially for a strawweight— but she now drops to 0-2 in the promotion.

#UFC270 pic.twitter.com/Mt2VUBPax1

— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) January 23, 2022

Official Result: Vanessa Demopoulos def. Silvana Gomez Juarez by submission (armbar), Round 1, 2:25

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Vanessa Demopoulos will have a new opponent for her second UFC outing, as ESPN Deportes reports that Silvana Juarez will be stepping in for an injured Ashley Yoder.  The fight is still scheduled to take place on January 15.

Demopoulos (6-4) will be looking to record her first UFC victory as she returns to her natural weight class of 115 pounds after moving up in weight on several days notice for her teammate Tracy Cortez to take on JJ Aldrich in August.  “Lil Monster” previously won the LFA title against current UFC fighter Sam Hughes.  Demopoulos has faced the likes of current UFC fighters Lupita Godinez, Cory McKenna, Katlyn Chookagian, and Cheyanne Buys across her time in LFA, Dana White’s Contender Series, and her amateur career.

Silvana Gomez Juarez (10-3) is looking for her first UFC victory as well after previously getting called up to replace the aforementioned Sam Hughes against Lupita Godinez in early October after previously preparing for the Contender Series.  Juarez lost the fight by first round armbar.  “La Malvada” previously built up her career with fights in her native Argentina but also had appearances in Mexico’s LUX Fight League and the Polish promotion KSW where she challenged then champion and current UFC fighter Ariane Lipski.

The event is scheduled to be headlined by a featherweight bout between surging contender Giga Chikadze and the hard-hitting Calvin Kattar.  No location for the event has been made official, although it is expected that it will take place in Las Vegas.

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Silvana Gomez Juarez had been expected to appear on Dana White’s Contender Series later this month. Instead, she was stepping in to replace Sam Hughes against Lupita Godinez. The switch-up vastly changed the complexion of the fight; Hughes and Godinez had fought twice during their amateur run. Juarez, competing nearly a decade, was 36 and faced with a “now or never” situation in regards to a UFC run.

Godinez got started right away landing a right hand, backing Juarez up against the cage. Godinez landed another right hand and changed levels taking Juarez down. Juarez got back to her feet but still had to contend with Godinez on her back. Godinez kept pulling Juarez down and getting close to taking the back. Godinez eventually separated bit, and landed a knee on her way out. She shot in for another takedown that was telegraphed but Juarez couldn’t get her leg away and was taken down. This time Godinez got the back away from the cage with both hooks in. Juarez attempted to turn towards her but Godinez switched to an armbar. She went belly down and Juarez tapped.

First UFC victory, & first career submission all in one for @LoopyGodinez 🇲🇽 🇨🇦

[ #UFCVegas39 | Prelims LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/4iD6ito1Dw

— UFC (@ufc) October 9, 2021

Official Result: Lupita Godinez def. Silvana Gomez Juarez by Submission (armbar), Round 1, 4:14

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Silvana Gómez “La Malvada” Juárez
Standing at 5’3″
Fighting at 11 5lbs (strawweight)
36-years-old
Fighting out of San Miguel de Tucuman, Argentina
Training out of Elevate MMA
A pro record of 10-2
6 KO/TKOs, 2 Submissions

How will Juarez fare in the UFC:

Juarez is hardly a prospect at 36-years-old. Despite her age and debuting in 2010, she doesn’t have a lot of fights for being in the sport for almost a decade. Her best win is against UFC fighter Vanessa Melo. On the other side, her two losses are to Poliana Botelho and Ariane Lipski who are both UFC fighters. Juarez is deserving of this opportunity though if she were to fall short on the regional scene we would likely never see her in the UFC.

Where Juarez falls short is that she’s never the aggressor. She’s always fighting off her back foot. Nor is she too hard to hit, because her movement is rather repetitive. Yet in spite of Juarez frequently going backwards, she draws women into her power. She is both tactical and wild in her striking. She likes to tuck her chin and throw overhands and a lot of times connects but is still sloppy. Juarez does throw a good jab and chopping leg kicks, the latter being probably her best weapon. She doesn’t throw a lot of output, only throwing one to two punches at a time. I do like her one-two and a lot of the times she goes body head. Another one-two she throws well is a leg kick to a hook up high.

Juarez does have a ground game but likes to stand and trade. She would only excel against the weakest in the division in terms of grappling, and it’s where she’s going to struggle mostly. Overall, a good signing who at least will be competitive. At her age though it’s probably too late to make a serious run.

How she matches up with Godinez:

Godinez is solely a striker who really hasn’t used much wrestling. She does have it in her back pocket, but she’d rather just catch kicks and dump her foes on their rears. So both these ladies prefer this style of fight. Godinez is someone that’s going to stay in your face throwing her hands, staying active, and throwing to the body perfectly. Although she doesn’t have a stoppage by KO/TKO, Godinez does indeed have some pop behind her hands. She is more modeled as a pressure striker who will batter women en-route to a decision. Godinez is the better striker between the two and that should be what wins the fight. She has a significant output advantage and is much faster and durable.

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ESPN Deportes was first to report news of Hughes being out of the UFC Vegas 39 fight, reportedly due to COVID-19 protocols. Cageside Press confirmed Hughes’ removal on Tuesday. ESPN was also first to report that Juarez would step in as her replacement.

Hughes (5-3) had been in search of her first win inside the octagon in the strawweight fight. That will have to wait. Argentina’s Juarez (10-2) was to appear on Dana White’s Contender Series in a week’s time, but will instead step into the UFC proper just days later than originally planned.

Juarez currently rides a three-fight win streak, and previously competed for both Combate Americas and KSW. One of her two professional losses came to current UFC fighter Ariane Lipski under the KSW banner. The other came against another UFC notable, Poliana Botelho.

Juarez also holds a win over the UFC’s Vanessa Melo.

Lupita Godinez (5-1) made her octagon debut on short notice earlier this year when she stepped in for Hannah Goldy against Jessica Penne. She was then booked into a bout with Sarah Alpar in May, only to run into visa issues. That led to the match-up with “Sampage” Hughes, and now Gomez.

The UFC Vegas 39 card is headlined by a strawweight bout between Mackenzie Dern and Marina Rodriguez. The line-up currently breaks down as follows:

Mackenzie Dern vs. Marina Rodriguez
Randy Brown vs. Jared Gooden
Tim Elliott vs. Matheus Nicolau
Sabina Mazo vs. Mariya Agapova
Phil Hawes vs. Deron Winn
Chris Gutiérrez vs. Felipe Colares
Alexander Romanov vs. Jared Vanderaa
Charles Rosa vs. Damon Jackson
Steve Garcia vs. Charlie Ontiveros
Lupita Godinez vs. Silvana GomezJuarez

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Ariane Lipski was the belle of the ball at KSW 42. Literally marketed as something as a fighting princess, the ‘Violence Queen’ had all eyes on her as she defended her crown against Silvana Gomez Juarez. She was happy to deliver, and after a tentative feeling out process in the opening moments, Lipski began to press the action, and went upstairs with her kicks. It was Lipski who threw the first combo, and generally forced her opponent to play the counter game. In the clinch, the champion hit home with some hard knees, and the opening minutes were clearly in her favor. A second clinch with more big knees led to about thirty seconds of brawling, with Lipski getting the better of Juarez and briefly dropping her. Yet the very next time Lipski fell back on the Thai clinch, she found herself taken down after Juarez caught her leg on a knee attempt.

As the fight moved to round two, Lipski continued to press the action. Juarez proved game, answering with a spinning back fist. The action in round two began to build with Lipski walking down her opponent and unleashing a flurry of punches and knees that had her on her heels. The champion then began to mix in leg kicks, and heading into the third was well ahead. Then, in round three, a moment of utter shock: Lipski was caught and dropped. She went down, hard, and Juarez followed her to the ground looking for the finish. The champion survived and regained her feet, but the question was whether she was still feeling the effects of the blow. She appeared to recover well, however, going back on the offensive moments later.

The fight would head to the championship rounds, with Lipski clearly ahead, but the third round represented a question mark. Lipski, however, appeared to have fully recovered from her earlier scare. She also looked to be the fresher fighter. Yet round four was the least eventful of the fight, with Lipski likely taking it mainly via being the aggressor. A similar scenario would play out in the fifth and final round. It mattered not. Lipski, with a nasty split lip but few other signs of damage, cruised to a unanimous decision.

Ariane Lipski def. Silvana Gomez Juarez by unanimous decision – to retain the KSW women’s flyweight championship

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