The UFC returned to the Apex after a successful trip to Charlotte. Despite the lack of crowd and atmosphere, the fighters delivered. With a 12-fight card, we were treated to six finishes. Now the event is over it’s time we take a look at the biggest winners from UFC Vegas 73.
Natália Silva
Far from the biggest name on the card. Natália Silva, put herself front and centre of many MMA fans minds with her excellent performance. Taking out Victoria Leonardo, with a stunning head kick.
Progressing her MMA record to 15-5-1. Silva is even more impressively unbeaten in nine, with three UFC wins in a row. Her last loss came in late 2017, to UFC strawweight Marina Rodriguez.
With a new crop of talent looking to take over at flyweight. Silva has just put her name on the periphery of the elite. Not far from the top 15, Silva is one victory away from becoming a ranked fighter.
Karolina Kowalkiewicz
Karolina Kowalkiewicz was a force in the early days of the UFC strawweight division. 9-0 before she faced fellow Polish phenom Joanna Jędrzejczyk for the title. After her losing effort for the belt, Kowalkiewicz would hit a rough patch that saw her almost retire.
After losing five bouts in a row, the end looked near for Kowalkiewicz. However, the former contender isn’t done just yet. Defeating Vanessa Demopoulos comfortably over three rounds. Making it three wins in a row.
Not quite back to her former heights, this win is huge. Not only for her career but her confidence too. Moving forward Kowalkiewicz could once again crack the top 15 and work her way up to championship contention.
Anthony Hernandez
A UFC career that didn’t get off to an ideal start. Anthony ‘Fluffy’ Hernandez saw himself lose two of his first three bouts. Since then he has been flawless in the octagon.
Taking out Edmen Shahbazyan late in the third via TKO, Hernandez showed his level after taking control midway through round one. Now riding a four-fight winning streak, with three finishes along the way.
Hernandez has proved he not only has the quality, but the heart and fight to compete with the best. Either just sneaking into the top 15 or as close as you can get. Hernandez has earned a shot at a ranked opponent next.
Who were your biggest winners from UFC Vegas 73?
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
