The UFC Mexico event features a strawweight bout between Yazmin Jauregui and Sam Hughes, promising a competitive clash with potential implications for the division’s rankings.
Yazmin Jauregui Earns Decision Win at UFC Mexico
Jauregui enters the fight with a 10-1 record, showcasing a promising start to her UFC career with victories that highlight her striking. Despite experiencing her first career setback with a quick defeat by Denise Gomes at UFC 290, Jauregui’s previous performances, including a TKO win over Istela Nunes and a unanimous decision against Iasmin Lucindo, have demonstrated her capabilities and resilience. Standing 5’3″ with a reach of 64 inches, Jauregui’s orthodox stance and striking accuracy position her as a serious contender in the strawweight division. She aims to rebound in front of her home fans in Mexico City, using her striking skills to secure a victory.
Sam Hughes
Hughes holds an 8-5 record and has shown tenacity and improvement in her recent outings, going 3-1 in her last four fights. Hughes has also notched a win over Istela Nunes and demonstrated her versatility with a TKO against Elise Reed and a unanimous decision victory over Jaqueline Amorim. At 5’5″ and also fighting in an orthodox stance, Hughes brings a slight height and reach advantage into this bout. Her experience and recent form suggest she’s more than capable of posing a significant challenge to Jauregui, especially if the fight extends into the later rounds, where her cardio and wrestling could turn the tide in her favour.
The fight is set to take place on the feet, with Jauregui favoured due to her power and diverse attack range. However, Hughes’s durability, wrestling, and ability to apply pressure could be key factors, especially if Jauregui shows any hesitancy following her recent loss. This bout offers Jauregui a chance to bounce back and Hughes an opportunity to continue her ascent.
What Unfolded at UFC Mexico
The first round showed why the odds were so heavily favored with Yazmin. With the loud and proud Mexican crowd behind her she really displayed her full striking arsenal, landing teeps to the body, and looking crisp standing in the centre finding the home for her right hand. Hughes attempted to initiate the clinch numerous occasions but failed to get inside without paying for it. Strong first round for the home town favorite.
The second followed a similar pattern with Yazin beginning to bust up Hughes with several combinations and landing in every exchange. Hughes once again offered two takedown attempts, but was unsuccessful, leaving herself with an uphill battle heading into the third round.
A real masterclass in range, distance management, and shot selection from Yazmin Jauregui in the final round, putting everything together beautifully. Sam Hughes too tough for her own good, and did extremely well to remain in the fight and get to the final bell.
Official result: Yazmin Jauregui def. Sam Hughes by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27,30-27)
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
