Yana Kunitskaya controls the fight against Julija Stoliarenko
After splitting her UFC record at 2-2, Yana Kunitskaya (12-5) looked to pick up her third victory inside the octagon at UFC Vegas 6.
The 30-year-old Russian fighter known as “Sexy” was originally supposed to meet Ketlen Vieira on August 1 but then the bout got pushed back to tonight and then her opponent eventually withdrew.
Kunitskaya now draws UFC newcomer Julija Stoliarenko (9-3-1) who was a participant on the Ultimate Fighter Season 28. Stoliarenko is coming off what is likely the bloodiest MMA bout of 2020 when she defeated Lisa Verzosa at Invicta FC: Phoenix Series 3 in March.
These two ladies were fighting in a phone booth for most of the first round. Pressed up against the cage, Stoliarenko’s nose is busted open and bloodied. She tries to work her way up the cage and force a standing guillotine but it does not work. Then, trying to get the fight to the ground and work for a submission also does not pan out for Stoliarenko. The first round is easily awarded in favor of Kunitskaya.
In the second frame, Kunitskaya continues to press the fight up against the cage. With one minute left in the round, Stoliarenko is finally able to shimmy the fight down to the canvas and works to lock up an armbar. She is able to extend but the cage wall is keeping it from being completed. She looks to adjust but time expires.
The domination from Kunitskaya carries over to third and final round. More fighting up against the cage and when on the ground it is the Russian who is on top looking to finish with strikes.
Official decision: Yana Kunitskaya defeated Julija Stoliarenko via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
