Timber The main card of UFC 286 saw two of the exciting women flyweights go head to head. Jennifer Maia took on Casey O’Neill as both fighters looked to win the important bout. After two consecutive defeats, Maia got back to winning ways after a decision win against Maryna Moroz. However, O’Neill has a contrasting record, having never lost a fight in professional MMA with a record of 9-0 before entering UFC 286.
Moreover, Maia was ranked 8th in women’s flyweight rankings in the UFC. O’Neill was looking to find a spot in the rankings to make a case. This made their bout even more so important for the two fighters. Both fighters looked confident as they came into the fight. It is also pertinent to note that ‘King’ also made a recovery from an ACL injury ahead of UFC 286. Moreover, a 5-inch reach advantage was in favor of the Australian.
Official Decision: Jennifer Maia by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28,29-28)
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The fight at UFC 286 saw Casey O’Neill getting handed her first loss in professional MMA. On the other hand, Maia will be delighted as she makes a charge for the women’s flyweight championship in the coming months.
Fans react to Jennifer Maia winning at UFC 286Fans were shocked to see O’Neill being handed her first defeat. The Australian didn’t come out on top after her toughest bout. The fans reacted upon seeing the Brazilian flyweight getting a victory for her title charge.
Respectable for Maia though. She looked fantastic
— MMA SZN (@mma_szn) March 18, 2023
I’m crying, I’m throwing up, screaming and punching the air
— ᴢᴀᴄʜ ꜰɪɴʟᴀʏ 🖤 (@zfin59) March 18, 2023
I knew she was pretty sus when Roxy busted her face up
— ً (@YacBrosNMore) March 18, 2023
Maia was impressive, she was moving the entire fight, O’Neil needs to mix up her striking and start working on takedowns, she ain’t ready for Blanchfield
— haha81 (@haha81_hasboogs) March 18, 2023
The entire comments section joined hands in congratulating the Brazilian on her win. Now, let’s take a look at how the fight went.
How Jennifer Maia gave Casey O’Neill her first lossRound 1 started with both fighters looking to connect their punches right from the go. The Brazilian had some great combinations as the round started. Maia looked sharp with her strikes as per UFC commentator Daniel Cormier. Furthermore, the entire round saw a display of Maia showing her excellent boxing prowess.
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Round 2 also opened up with some combinations from Maia being more effective with her striking. The veteran got the better of the initial stages of the round. Furthermore, a series of kicks and punches were thrown by both fighters as they went back and forth for the entire round. O’Neill kept Maia on her feet and the Brazilian responded with accurate counterstrikes.
However, round 3 saw the fighters in a clinching exchange. O’Neill had some much-needed sharpness in the final round of the fight. ‘King’ came up with some accurate strikes in the round. Maia also tried to secure a takedown toward the end of the round.
The Brazilian comfortably won the fight.
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What do you think about the fight? Let us know in the comments below.
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