‘The Warrior Princess’ Cheyanne Vlismas made her first Octagon appearance in 2022 on Saturday night as the UFC wrapped up its year with a 13-fight card at The APEX in Las Vegas. Meeting Vlismas in the cage was Cory McKenna. Looking to win back-to-back fights for the first time since making her promotional debut, McKenna was tasked with stopping the momentum of Vlismas who entered the bout winning six of her last seven.
Round 1
Cheyanne Vlismas delivers a calf kick and eats a right from McKenna in return. Both women trade combinations early with McKenna moving forward and putting pressure on Vlismas. ‘The Warrior Princess’ lands a solid right on McKenna. Big check right hook from Vlismas nearing the four-minute mark of the round. Vlismas throws a body kick that is caught by McKenna who completes a takedown and secures the top position as Vlismas closes her guard and attempts to strike from the bottom as the first round comes to a close.
Round 2
Cheyanne Vlismas opens the round with another big right hand that connects clean. McKenna moves in, clinching with Vlismas against the fence. McKenna locks her hands for a double leg, but Vlismas breaks the hold. ‘The Warrior Princess’ locks in a Thai clinch and unloads some heavy knees to the body of McKenna. Back against the fence, McKenna continues to clinch and wear on her taller opponent. McKenna finally scores the takedown just seconds before the buzzer sounds, ending the second round.
Round 3
Coming out for the final round, Vlismas throws a kick which is immediately caught by McKenna. Going for a takedown, McKenna finds herself in a rear-naked choke, but Vlismas is off to the side and can’t quite get the grip. McKenna escapes and gets in top control. McKenna’s nose is busted open from a sneaky elbow by Vlismas from the bottom. Vlismas throws up her legs and threatens an arm bar. McKenna breaks free and briefly teases a knee bar before resuming ground and pound as the final bell sounds.
Official Result: Cory McKenna def. Cheyanne Vlismas via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Check Out Highlights From Cheyanne Vlismas vs. Cory McKenna at UFC Vegas 66 Below:
Cory McKenna up next!🏴#UFCFightnight #UFCVegas66 #MMA
— Combat Sports UK (@CombatSportsUK) December 17, 2022
Cory's fine 👍 #UFCVegas66 pic.twitter.com/4EoMnYwDvR
— UFC_Asia (@UFC_Asia) December 17, 2022
Two in a row for @CoryMcKenna99! She takes the decision over Vlismas at #UFCVegas66 👏 pic.twitter.com/ckwO1VtFxM
— UFC (@ufc) December 18, 2022