UFC women’s bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison defeated Amanda Nunes via fourth-round submission in the co-main event of UFC 334, “according to sports coverage”, reported Yahoo Sports.
Harrison entered the matchup as a small betting favorite and secured her victory by tapping out her long-time rival with a rear-naked choke in the fourth round, “as detailed in HEAVY reports”, per HEAVY.
In the opening round, Nunes applied heavy pressure by landing a series of punches that hurt the champion, “the sports publication noted”, according to Yahoo Sports.
However, Harrison managed to take the fight to the ground late in the first round, establishing a dominant crucifix position and raining down punches, “combat sports coverage stated”, per the outlets reported.
During the second round, Nunes pushed Harrison against the fence to pursue a takedown, but Harrison reversed the position and slammed her opponent to the canvas, “fight analysts highlighted”, reported Yahoo Sports.
Nunes worked for grappling in the third round and secured a floor transition, though Harrison reversed position late in the frame to land heavy ground strikes, “the HEAVY article noted”, per HEAVY.
In the decisive fourth round, Harrison successfully took Nunes to the floor and immediately locked in the rear-naked choke to defend her belt for the first time, “post-fight recaps confirmed”, reported Yahoo Sports.
With Nunes serving as the last major challenger for Harrison in the division, questions remain regarding her next career steps, “industry observers discussed”, per the outlets reported.
Harrison could choose to continue fighting or walk away from the sport while remaining at the top, “the reporting concluded”, per HEAVY.