Luana Pinheiro uses her powerful strikes to keep Michelle Waterson-Gomez at bay to secure the decision victory at UFC 287.
Before the Fight
Michelle Waterson-Gomez
Competing at the highest level for years. Waterson-Gomez has faced a plethora of top Strawweight talent since her pro debut back in 2007. Amassing an 18-10 record in this time. Currently sitting at #10 in the rankings, she has been in and around the top 15 since their 2015 inception.
A 12-fight UFC career has seen Michelle go 6-6 with a 1-4 turnover in her last four. Despite losses Waterson-Gomez always loses a threat and continues to face the Strawweight upper echelon. Of her four most recent losses two are to former title holders.
Luana Pinheiro
Looking to further cement her name in the Strawweight top 15. Pinheiro looks to claim her biggest victory to date at UFC 287. Almost perfect in her career thus far, she’s only been beaten once in 11 professional fights.
Her UFC run has seen her win two from two. Holding victories over both Randa Markos and Sam Hughes. She’ll enter the bout against Waterson-Gomez with an eight-fight winning streak on the line.
The Fight
Round 1
Waterson-Gomez looks to impose her kicking prowess to take advantage early. Pinheiro wants to get inside but the kicks keep her at distance. A front leg head kick grazes the Brazilian’s face as a warning of the danger. This is followed up by a Waterson-Gomez spinning elbow.
A huge right-hand lands for Pinheiro but Michelle kicks her back to a safer distance. The front leg is the primary weapon of Waterson-Gomez. For Luana, it’s one strike at a time. A beautiful front kick sends Pinheiro briefly to the canvas. Two huge punches land for Pinheiro who swarms to end the round.
Round 2
A spin from Pinheiro is met by a powerful right from Waterson-Gomez to open the second. An accumulation of leg kicks has slowed Pinheiro slightly. A brief clinch exchange gains neither an advantage.
The front leg of Luana seems to be causing her slight mobility issues. An elbow on the break for Pinheiro lands nicely. Luana loads up on every strike but the chin of Waterson-Gomez holds up. Another late land for the Brazilian ends the round.
Round 3
A flash takedown sees Waterson-Gomez gain clinch control against the fence. After around a minute Pinheiro manages to reverse position before disengaging.
The pace has slowed as each woman has begun to throw less offence. Waterson-Gomez throws multiple kicks that are way off the mark. A mate takedown might score Waterson-Gomez the round.
Luana Pinheiro takes the split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28).
What’s next for Luana Pinheiro after her win at UFC 287?
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
