Kayla Harrison won unanimously over Ketlen Vieira to open the UFC 307 pay-per-view portion. The victory featured a challenging moment in the second round for Harrison, but the win positions the former Professional Fighters League champion for a shot at the UFC women’s bantamweight title.
Harrison’s wrestling and the skills she has honed from her years as a two-time Olympic gold medalist in judo were the difference. Vieira had some success in the second round, as she stayed off the ground for prolonged periods.
Vieira opened a cut on Harrison’s forehead in the center of a golf-ball-sized hematoma with an elbow. Harrison said it was the first time she’d ever bled in a fight as a professional mixed martial artist.
Harrison solidified her dominance in the third by taking Vieira down and controlling the Brazilian on the ground. Harrison delivered tons of damage from the top position and removed any doubt about which woman was the better fighter.
After the fight, Harrison warned Raquel Pennington and Julianna Pena. Pennington is defending her title against Pena in the co-main event, and Harrison announced she was coming for the winner in search of her second title in as many promotions.
If Harrison completes her mission, she will be the first fighter to win a UFC and PFL title. Last week, PFL owner Donn Davis expressed his disappointment in Harrison’s decision to head to the UFC rather than stay with the promotion where she started her career.
The promotion had fights against Larissa Pacheco and Cris Cyborg lined up for Harrison. However, Harrison said in her post-fight interview with Joe Rogan that she came to the UFC because it was the best organization with the best fighters. She’ll get a chance to prove she belongs in her next fight.
Here is a look at all of the results from the event.
UFC 307 Pay-Per-View card Results
- Alex Pereira vs. Khalil Rountree Jr.
- Julianna Peña def. (c) Raquel Pennington – Pena wins the UFC women’s bantamweight championship
- Mario Bautista def. Jose Aldo via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
- Roman Dolidze def. Kevin Holland via TKO at 5:00 of Round 1 (Holland was Injured in the first round and couldn’t continue)
- Kayla Harrison def. Ketlen Vieira via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
UFC 307 Preliminary Card Results
- Joaquin Buckley def. Stephen Thompson via KO at 2:17 of Round 3
- Iasmin Lucindo def. Marina Rodriguez via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
- Alexander Hernandez def. Austin Hubbard via split decision (27-30, 29-28, 29-28)
- Cesar Almeida def. Ihor Potieria via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)
UFC 307 Early Preliminary Card Results
- Ryan Spann def. Ovince Saint Preux via submission at 1:35 of Round 1 (Guillotine)
- Tecia Pennington defeats Carla Esparza via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
- Court McGee defeats Tim Means via submission at 3:19 of Round 1 (Rear-Naked Choke)
