A women’s strawweight title fight between Rose Namajunas and Carla Esparza is taking place now (Saturday, May 7, 2022) at UFC 274.
Round 1
Both fighters are keeping their distance early on. Lots of footwork from Namajunas. There’s barely been a strike landed over three minutes. Namajunas lands a jab. Not a lot happened in that round. Very uneventful with little to no activity.
Round 2
More of the same as both fighters are basically circling around the Octagon. Esparza shoots and gets Namajunas down, but isn’t able to keep her down as the champion gets right back up. They swing in the pocket but both end up missing their shots. More footwork from Namajunas while Esparza remains in the center and struggles to close the distance. Esparza misses a leg kick. Another poor round.
Round 3
Namajunas is showing a bit more aggression, but again, very little action. Esparza shoots with a blast double and gets Namajunas down. However, Namajunas gets back to her feet instantly once again. The action is slowly picking up now, but barely. Esparza starts to blitz and fake takedowns, but Namajunas reads it all. Esparza tries to connect, but fails in what is another uneventful round.
Round 4
Esparza tries to clinch and take Namajunas down, but fails as Namajunas connects with a right hand. Esparza ducks a strike and goes for the takedown. She manages to grab Namajunas’ leg and take her back but only momentarily. Namajunas gets to her feet, clinches her and separates. Esparza misses a front head kick. Namajunas lands a right on the counter. She lands another soon after which forces a takedown from Esparza. Esparza holds on to her back and almost suplexes her. However, Namajunas scrambles well to get Esparza off her. No action for the rest of the round as the crowd boos.
Round 5
Both fighters exchange in the pocket. However, the fight has returned to what it’s been for the last four rounds. Esparza shoots but gives up on the attempt soon after. Namajunas gets her own takedown with 10 seconds left. The fight ends with boos.
Official Result: Carla Esparza defeats Rose Namajunas via split decision (48-47, 46-49,48-47).
Check out the highlights below:
5 minutes down, 20 to go 🍿
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— UFC (@ufc) May 8, 2022
https://twitter.com/ufc/status/1523154261516857347
To the championship rounds we go!
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— UFC (@ufc) May 8, 2022
Razor close going into the fifth and final round – who do you think takes it? 🤔
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— UFC (@ufc) May 8, 2022
https://twitter.com/ufc/status/1523157805846302720
To the judges we go – drop your scorecards 👇 #UFC274 pic.twitter.com/m8wtTqkjri
— UFC (@ufc) May 8, 2022
🗣 BY SPLIT DECISION!@CarlaEsparza1 is the NEW SW champion of the world 🏆
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— UFC (@ufc) May 8, 2022
