A beautiful takedown by @CarlaEsparza1!! #UFCOKC pic.twitter.com/qvLlhG1oBW
— #UFCOKC (@ufc) June 25, 2017
The UFC made its long-awaited return to Oklahoma City for a special Sunday edition of UFC Fight Night.
The event featured a combination of former champions, top contenders, and rising prospects.
Former UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion Carla Esparza fought strawweight contender Maryna Moroz in a pivotal fight in their division.
Esparza and Moroz threw punches early in the fight. Esparza would attempt to close the distance, but Moroz would respond with a flurry of jabs whenever the former champion got close. Esparza shot for a takedown, but Moroz stayed on her feet. Esparza went for another takedown and was successful this time. Moroz went for a guillotine choke but was unsuccessful. The round ended with Esparza landing punches from on top.
Moroz would land a combination whenever Esparza would close the distance between the fighters. However, Esparza had success at landing one hard shot and then getting out of danger. Esparza went for a takedown, but Moroz stuffed it. Just like in the first round, Esparza secured her second takedown attempt. However, Moroz quickly got to her feet. Esparza later landed a powerful double-leg takedown. At the end of the round, Moroz fought back to her feet.
Esparza got Moroz to the ground early in the final round, but Esparza let her get back up. Moroz was successful at stopping at stopping a couple of takedown attempts. However, Esparza later was able to get Moroz to the mat. Eventually, the referee stood the fighters up due to inactivity. Esparza then landed another takedown in the final minute of the fight. Esparza then stood up and began throwing kicks, but that allowed Moroz to stand up. The fight ended with Esparza landing another takedown.
Official Result:
Carla Esparza def. Maryna Moroz by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
