UFC 249 results: Esparza defeats Waterson in wild split decision

UFC fights are back.

On Saturday night, May 9, UFC 249 takes place in Jacksonville, Fla. following a two-month hiatus for the promotion.

Inside an empty Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the card features two championship bouts. Interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson defends his belt against Justin Gaethje in the main event.

In the co-main event, bantamweight champion Henry Cejudo is up against Dominick Cruz, who returns to the octagon following a four-year layoff.

Carla Esparza comes into this fight looking to regain a chance at a title that she wants held. Conversely Michelle Waterson has looked better than ever in her last three fights. This fight could get dirty very quickly. If Esparza is able to get this to the ground Waterson may not have an answer for her. However Waterson’s game plan has to be to keep this on the feet and continue striking. I win for either fighter has to give them a top-five opponent in the straw weight division.

Esparza won in an amazing split decision. Winning 30-27; 29-28; 27-30.

Round One:

So far in the first round both fighters are feeling each other out and trying to establish distance. One minute in and not one strike has been landed. This is either going to be a snooze fight or it’s about to get electric very quickly. Watterson man’s first with an overhand right but so far they’re standing in the center of the ring no one‘s really trying to attack. you can tell Esparza does not want to trade shots with Waterson. She’s looking for a take down. Esparza with a big right with two minutes left to go in round one. There is very little action in round one. It’s going to be tough to score but right now Waterson has a slight edge. Far as the scores to take down with half a minute left in the first round. That could be enough to earn her the first round.

I have Esparza taking round one 10-9.

Round Two:

Esparza is starting to establish some center control in the ring. She’s definitely chasing Waterson out in the second round. Waterson gets tagged every time she tries to rush in on Esparza. Doesn’t look like it’s a good game plan for her moving forward in this fight. Esparza went for a takedown with two minutes left but it got stuffed by Waterson. Have to give this round to Waterson.

19-19

Round Three:

Both fighters came out with a little bit more intensity in the final round. They know that this could easily be determined by this round. Esparza trying to empty her gas tank in the third round. She goes for a take down high with about 2:20 left to no avail. Waterson avoided another takedown attempt by Esparza. The takedown stuffs could be the determining factor in this fight for Waterson. Esparza landed some good shots in the final minute. But it might not be enough to win this fight.

Esparza wins via split decision (30-27; 29-28; 27-30)

Ryan Sprague

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