Viviane Araujo got back into the win column with an impressive three-round performance against Jennifer Maia at UFC Vegas 81 on Saturday night.
Things were relatively calm in the first couple of minutes with both women opting to keep things on their feet. Just past the two-minute mark, they started to let their hands go, but that only encouraged Araujo to shoot in for a takedown. Maia successfully defended but as a solid right from Araujo for her trouble. With less than a minute to go in the opening round, Maia tried her hand at a takedown, but Araujo was able to quickly turn the table, pressing Maia against the fence and keeping her there for the remainder of the first.
Less than 30 seconds into the second round, Araujo is able to muscle Maia to the canvas. Maia fought to get back to her feet, but it only allowed Araujo the opportunity to take her back and drag her back to the mat. Araujo maintained back control for the remainder of the round but was able to cinch in the rear-naked choke she was desperately looking for.
With the fight potentially even going into the third, Maia turned up the aggression and began landing some solid strikes on Araujo. That prompted Araujo to close the distance and clinch up against the fence. Before long, Maia was able to reverse position and complete a double leg. Araujo worked her way back up, but left her arm out, baiting Maia to take in and attempt to lock in an arm bar. As Maia makes the move, Araujo is able to slip her arm out and land in side control.
Maia shifted Araujo back into her guard and attempted a hail-mary triangle choke, but time expired before Maia could pull off a potential miracle.
Official Result: Viviane Araujo def. Jennifer Maia via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Check Out Highlights From Viviane Araujo vs. Jennifer Maia at UFC Vegas 81 Below:
Top 15 flyweights collide in our co-main event 🤜🤛@JenniMaiaUFC vs @ViviAraujoMMA#UFCVegas81 is LIVE on ESPN+ 📺 pic.twitter.com/h47s6Pgg3d
— UFC (@ufc) October 15, 2023
BRASILEIRAS NO OCTÓGONO! 🇧🇷 🇧🇷 🇧🇷
Viviane Araújo, 11a do ranking do peso-mosca, venceu Jennifer Maia (9a) por decisão unânime, na luta co-principal do #UFCVegas81, evento realizado neste sábado (14). Veja como foi.#UFCnaBand pic.twitter.com/n2n1I8xbhn
— Esporte Na Band (@esportenaband) October 15, 2023
Clean sweep on the scorecards for @ViviAraujoMMA
She leaves tonight with a UD victory! #UFCVegas81 pic.twitter.com/cRkMTXGwtV
— UFC (@ufc) October 15, 2023
A clearly excited Viviane Araujo (@ViviAraujoMMA) celebrates a hard-fought and much-needed win at #UFCVegas81. pic.twitter.com/Owu1wWQw5X
— John Morgan (@JohnMorgan_MMA) October 15, 2023
“I did everything I planned.”
Viviane Araujo (@ViviAraujoMMA) put a lot of pressure on herself to get back in the win column and is now eager to climb the rankings once again.#UFCVegas81 Results, Interviews & More ➡️: https://t.co/rQi7TN6Lp7
— UFC News (@UFCNews) October 15, 2023
