UFC Jacksonville: Sijara Eubanks earns first UFC bantamweight win

Sijara Eubanks wins all three round on way to a clear unanimous decision win.

A light-heavyweight clash between Anthony Smith and Glover Teixera headlines the event at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville Florida. Ovince Saint Preux bounces up to heavyweight to take on Ben Rothwell in the co-main event.

Sijara Eubanks and Sarah Moras headlined the prelims of the fight card.

Eubanks is currently ranked No. 15 in the women’s bantamweight division despite being 0-2 in the UFC at 135 pounds. Prior to moving up to bantamweight, Eubanks was one of the top contenders at flyweight, but struggled making weight.

Moras comes into the bout with a 6-5 record. While she is 2-3 in her last five outings, a win could ultimately put in into the women’s bantamweight rankings.

Here’s how their fight went down with a round-by breakdown of the fight.

Round 1

These ladies were not going to feel it out. They both came out landing. Within the first minute, Eubanks has the attention of Moras by landing a couple of nice shots, including a big right hand. Moras was tough and continued to keep coming forward despite eating a few shots. Midway through the round, Eubanks ripped a shot into the ribs of Moras. With 1:25 left in the round, the UFC stats had Eubanks landing 18 head strikes to Moras’ six. Eubanks is staying composed in the pocket and every time Moras comes forward, Eubanks seems to have an answer.

MyMMANews scores it 10-9 Eubanks

Round 2

As the second round begins, Moras comes out and tries to grapple, sending Eubanks on defense. While Moras was in the position she wanted to be in, Eubanks was able to get out of the clinch without any problems. Moras seems more confident and she’s picking up the pace, while Eubanks appears to be fading compared to the first round. Even though Eubanks is fading, she is still landing strikes. Midway through the round, Moras comes forward and lands a series of punches and then immediately clinches with Eubanks. While the round was close and started in favor of Moras, she attempted a take down that back fired as Eubanks was able to get on top of Moraes to finish the round strong and steal it.

MyMMANews scores it 10-9 Eubanks.

Round 3

Eubanks with a good start to the final round and lands a beautiful jab in the opening minute. Moraes goes to the clinch again, but Eubanks is able to avoid any problems and pushes Moras against the cage. The two would come back to the center of the octagon and Eubanks lands a big superman punch. Moras is now bleeding from her nose. Eubanks gets on top of Moras and Moras tries for an arm bar. While Moras is trying for the submission, Eubanks is talking to her coaches the whole time saying that she’s okay. Turns out she was right, because she got out of the submission attempted and got back on top of Moras and started to land a bunch of heavy shots as the round expired.

MyMMANews scores it 10-9 Eubanks

Official decision: Eubanks wins by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)

John Eric Poli

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