The UFC bantamweight division got a breath of fresh air when Julianna Pena dethroned the longtime queen, ‘The Lioness’ Amanda Nunes. UFC Vegas 55 headliner had a pivotal matchup in the context of the title picture in the division, and Ketlen Vieira won a close split decision in the main event against Holly Holm.
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Thus, booking a future showdown with the winner of the rematch between Pena and Nunes.
Though even the judges were uncertain of the decision, the ever-active MMA Twitter floated the old-fashioned robbery chants after the close bout that could’ve gone either way. However, the Brazilian also found some support from certain MMA fighters.
Unpopular opinion apparently: I thought Viera won haha
— Kay Hansen (@KayHansenMMA) May 22, 2022
Ex UFC women’s fighter Kay Hansen showed her support for the 30-year-old, Vieira and posted, “Unpopular opinion apparently: I thought Viera won haha”
Even prominent MMA journalist, Aaron Bronsteter, gave an in-depth analysis of the close bout. Subsequently, he slammed people who called the decision a ‘robbery.’ Also a few more names, including former bantamweight champion, Miesha Tate reacted to the fight.
Scorecards for Holm vs. Vieira – came down to the third round, which was a very close one. Unanimous otherwise.
For those saying that this was a "robbery", go back and watch JUST the third round and determine who landed the more damaging strikes in that round. https://t.co/DusxSgdbNk
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) May 22, 2022
Ketlen Vieira beat Holly Holm, no robbery
Control time means nothing. Can't believe people still talk about control time in 2022 #UFCVegas55
— Weasle (@ThaWeasle) May 22, 2022
Not a good game plan by @HollyHolm I can say it bc I’ve made the mistake before too. she shoulda stayed on the outside & forced Ketlen to be the aggressor. Holly’s an excellent counter striker, she tired herself out by engaging in the clinch too much. Ketlen makes it look easy
— Miesha Tate (@MieshaTate) May 22, 2022
Love that decision.
Clinching with no strikes is not effective!#UFCVegas55
— Seán Sheehan (@SeanSheehanBA) May 21, 2022
‘Fenômeno’ showed how well-rounded she was. Subsequently, she landed the crisper shots against a decorated boxer and a kickboxer in Holm. Besides, she also cinched in a devastating standing rear-naked choke that almost put ‘The Preacher’s Daughter‘ to sleep. However, Holm used the clinch work to great effect to hold off Vieira’s attacks.
Why did Vieira get the nod at UFC Vegas 55?
The bout was as close as it could get. Both fighters found success in the fight, and almost all the rounds except the second were competitive. The humongous grappling exchange in the second round covers the effective grappling criteria for judging and banks the second round to Vieira.
#UFCVegas55 Official Scorecards: Holly Holm vs Ketlen Vieira (@KetlenVieiraUFC)
See every scorecard from #UFCVegas55 here ➡️: https://t.co/KGZKTNFMgT pic.twitter.com/6oxKqb4Duu
— UFC News (@UFCNews) May 22, 2022
All the judges had the first and the final round for the former women’s bantamweight champion. And with the flush spinning elbow and other head-snapping shots, Vieira won round 4. Thus, the bout came down to who won the third round.
After monitoring round 3 closely blow-for-blow, it appears Vieira had landed more damaging shots. Besides, a very respected name in the MMA space, the Weasel, did a video breakdown of the same. Since the rule books clearly suggest damage as the most significant criteria, Vieira got the split decision win at UFC Vegas 55.
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What do you think of the main event decision? Whom did you give the nod to between Holly Holm and Ketlen Vieira?
Written by
Edited by
Paras Pande