Saturday;’s UFC Vegas 122 main card featured a women’s catchweight bout between No. 8 ranked Loopy Godinez and Ketlen Souza.
Souza entered the bout unranked but riding a two-fight winning streak. She weighed in one pound heavy during Friday’s official weigh-in making her ineligible of receiving a performance-based bonus.
Godinez made the walk to the octagon inside the Meta Apex coming off a loss to Tatiana Suarez and looking to get back in the win column.
Godinez landed first with an onside leg kick. He pressed the action behind her jab. Souza moved on the outside with her hands low. Godinez connected with a right hand. Souza responded with back-to-back jabs. Godinez’ right hand began landing. A knee backed Souza up. Souza found her range in the second half of the frame. Souza picked up the pace but MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Godinez.
Souza came out more aggressive in the second round. Godinez clinched but they quickly separated. Souza connected with a combination. Godinez responded with a leg kick. A left hook found a home for Godinez. Souza fended off a takedown attempt and pressured Godinez. Godinez reacted with flurry. They kept a high pace through the first two rounds. Godinez was unable to take Souza down. Souza connected with a left hand and went on the offense. Her uppercuts began landing late in the frame. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Souza.
They picked up where they left off in the third. Souza pawed with her jab. Godinez finally secured a takedown with three minutes remaining. She worked in Souza’s closed guard and delivered punches to the body and head. Souza hung on from the bottom but didn’t try to get back to her feet. Godinez maintained top position peppering Souza with punches and elbows. Souza kicked Godinez off and got to her feet in the closing seconds. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Godinez.
The Judges scored the fight for Godinez via unanimous decision. The scorecards read 29-28, 29-28, and 29-28.