Lupita Godinez pushes the pace to secure a split decision spoiling the Strawweight return of Cynthia Calvillo at UFC 287.
Before the Fight
Cynthia Calvillo
Making her return to the strawweight division for the first time since late 2019. Calvillo hopes she can find as much success as she did the last time she competed at 115 lbs. Coming into UFC 287 she boasts a 9-5-1 record, being 6-5 in the UFC.
In her last five, Cavillo has found life at flyweight hard going 1-4. Only losing to top contenders might seem worse on paper than in actuality. Her last run at strawweight saw her thrive putting together a 5-1-1 streak that saw her ranked.
Lupita Godinez
Welcoming Calvillo back to strawweight, Godinez looks to stake claim to a spot in the rankings. 8-3 as a professional this far into her career. Lupita loves to compete and will at every opportunity. This was evidenced by her record 2021 turnaround that saw Godinez compete on back-to-back cards.
3-2 in her last five, she’s shown her ability to compete against skilled opposition. Her last outing was a decision loss to the always-game Angela Hill in August last year.
The Fight
Round 1
Godinez storms the centre of the octagon but Calvillo stands firm. When on the inside Lupita looks to throw sharp boxing combinations and lands a good couple of shots. Calvillo remains patient and seems to be feeling her opponent out, back at strawweight. Godinez lands a big shots once again as she enters range.
Calvillo lands well from distance but it’s only one strike at a time. Lupita is relentless with the forward pressure and rarely takes a backwards step. Cynthia uses this to her advantage and secures a solid takedown and lands in half guard. An accomplished grappler Godinez defends well and regain her feet.
Round 2
Once again Godinez takes the centre. Calvillo starts by throwing more kicks in an attempt to slow the Lupita pressure. A good scrabble ends with both women remaining upright. Cynthia has had a better round with more offence in the second.
More activity in the final stretch for Godinez as she looks to steal a close round. A good hook lands for Lupita but Cynthia just shakes it off.
Round 3
All action to start the third both women trade heavy shots. Neither wilts under the pressure of the other as both come forward. Calvillo begins to find sixes with the jab as Godinez wades forward.
Starting to find a rhythm Calvillo is feeling it as the fight comes to a close. A late leg kick drops Loopy, who bounces up to secure a brief takedown. An extremely close fight it goes right to the wire.
The fight goes the way of Lupita Godinez via a split decision.
What’s next for Lupita Godinez after UFC 287?
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images,
