In the end, the five-round “championship” experience of Joanna Jedrzejczyk was too much for Michelle Waterson to overcome.
Jedrzejczyk, a former UFC strawweight champion, topped Waterson via decision in the main event of UFC Fight Night 161. The card took place from the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, airing live on ESPN+.
The 32-year-old Jedrzejczyk improved to 16-3 overall in her career with the win, as she was coming off a tough decision loss to Valentina Shevchenko for the vacant UFC flyweight title last December. She won her first 14 MMA fights including five successful strawweight title defenses.
In the co-main event Cub Swanson claimed a decision over Kron Gracie, sweeping the scorecards. Swanson faced a must-win situation, as he was coming into the card having lost each of his previous four fights.
Gracie suffered his first pro defeat in six fights and was making his second appearance for the UFC. Swanson and Gracie’s three-round battle did earn both fighters “Fight of the Night” status.
Niko Price stunned James Vick with an upkick in the first round of their welterweight contest, earning a knockout victory. The finish earned him a “Performance of the Night” bonus, as Marlon Vera also earned a bonus.
It was a disappointing return to action for Mackenzie Dern, as the new mother was dealt a decision loss to Amanda Ribas. The 26-year-old Dern suffered her first loss in eight bouts and fell to 2-1 with the UFC.
Matt Frevola claimed a split decision over Luis Pena and Eryk Anders kicked off the main card with a split decision vs. Gerald Meerschaert.
Ryann Spann capped off the prelims when he submitted Devin Clark via second round submission, with Mike Davis earning a third round knockout of Thomas Gifford at lightweight.
Alex Morono earned a decision over Max Griffin, Deiveson Figueiredo submitted Tim Elliott in the first round and Vera finished Andre Ewell via third round TKO with a series of elbows and strikes.
Miguel Baeza finished off Hector Aldana in the second round, Marvin Vettori claimed a decision over Andrew Sanchez and JJ Aldrich opened the night with a decision vs. Lauren Mueller.
MAIN CARD
Joanna Jedrzejczyk def. Michelle Waterson via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 49-46)
Cub Swanson def. Kron Gracie via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Niko Price def. James Vick via KO (upkick) at 1:44 of Round 1
Amanda Ribas def. Mackenzie Dern via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Matt Frevola def. Luis Pena via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Eryk Anders def. Gerald Meerschaert via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
PRELIMINARY CARD
Ryan Spann def. Devin Clark via submission (guillotine choke) at 2:01 of Round 2
Mike Davis def. Thomas Gifford via KO (strike) at 4:45 of Round 3
Alex Morono def. Max Griffin via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-27, 29-28)
Deiveson Figueiredo def. Tim Elliott via submission (guillotine choke) at 3:08 of Round 1
Marlon Vera def. Andre Ewell via TKO (strikes) at 3:17 of Round 3
Miguel Baeza def. Hector Aldana via TKO (strikes) at 2:32 of Round 2
Marvin Vettori def. Andrew Sanchez via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
JJ Aldrich def. Lauren Mueller via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Katy Perry says she is getting some new inspiration these days. She said in an interview…
The singer Taylor Swift is being blasted by the Pet Shop Boys' Neil Tennant, who…
The actor Lucas Black, who is best known for starring in "NCIS" and "NCIS: New…
Since being founded by Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley back in 1973, KISS has been…
The legendary star Carol Burnett is set to turn 91 tomorrow, and we previously reported…
It's been two years since the former "Full House" star Bob Saget passed away suddenly…