Strawweight standout Polyana Viana returned to the Octagon at UFC Vegas 78 on Saturday night determined to add another impressive win to her resume.
With three first-round finishes in her last four fights, Viana has established herself as one of the brightest up-and-comers in the 115-pound division. ‘Dama de Ferro’ looked to keep that momentum moving forward as she stepped inside the cage with Brazilian knockout artist Iasmin Lucindo.
Making her third walk to the Octagon, Lucindo is 1-1 under the UFC banner but carries a solid overall record of 14-5 with eight of those victories coming by way of knockout.
Round 1
Polyana Viana comes out and quickly fires a high kick followed by a kick to the body. Lucindo responds with a right hand that partially connects. Viana again targets the body with a kick and Lucindo again attempts to respond. That allows Viana to close the distance and drag Lucindo to the ground. Viana maintains top control as Lucindo closes her guard. Lucindo looks intent on holding Viana, potentially hoping for a standup.
The tactic pays off as the referee stands them back up with two minutes remaining in the round. Lucindo throws a spinning back kick that misses the mark. Lucindo blitzes forward, forcing Viana to tie up, but it’s Lucindo who secures the takedown this time, landing on top of Viana. Lucindo held the top position for the remainder of the round but was unable to muster up any notable offense.
Round 2
Lucindo comes out a little more trigger-happy in the second round, throwing a couple of kicks before landing a big right hand that buckles the knees of Viana. Despite having Viana hurt, Lucindo maintains her measured approach, a move that could cost her as the fight goes on. Over a minute in and the offensive output is primarily coming from Lucindo. Viana throws a spinning back first followed by a body kick, but that only serves to let Lucindo close the distance and land her second takedown of the fight.
Things appear to be at a stalemate once again, but a stern warning from referee Chris Tognoni encourages Lucindo to make a move. Working her leg out of the half guard of Viana, Lucindo moves to the left side of Viana and cinches in an arm triangle choke that instantly earns a tap out from Viana.
Official Result: Iasmin Lucindo def. Polyana Viana via submission (arm triangle) at 3:42 of Round 2
Check Out Highlights From Polyana Viana vs. Iasmin Lucindo at UFC Vegas 78 Below:
Iasmin Lucindo taps Polyana Viana
pic.twitter.com/JLBozgAbt4— MMA Mania (@mmamania) August 13, 2023
That's back-to-back wins for @Iasmin_Lucindo 🙌#UFCVegas78 pic.twitter.com/IMyj7ldZAE
— UFC (@ufc) August 13, 2023
