At UFC Vegas 122, Brazilian flyweight Natalia Gatto secured a split decision victory over Lithuania's Ramune Kareckaite. While Kareckaite controlled much of the early action, Gatto's aggressive grappling in the final frame proved to be the deciding factor in the 125-pound bout.
Gatto’s third-round grappling surge
The momentum of the flyweight contest shifted dramatically in the final period. After struggling to find her rhythm in the earlier stages, Gatto utilized a series of clinch maneuvers and takedowns to neutralize Kareckaite's striking. As the report details, Gatto secured a trip takedown in the third round, allowing her to move to the back and land significant hooks.
Gatto's dominance in the closing minutes was characterized by high-level positional control. she transitioned from back control to side control, dropping elbows and even attempting an armbar in the final seconds of the fight. This late-game offensive flurry allowed the Brazilian to overcome the deficit established in the first two rounds, ultimately clinching the split decision win.
Kareckaite’s early lead and Tognoni’s point deduction
Lithuania's Ramune Kareckaite (6-2-1) appeared to be in command during the opening of the match. According to the source, Kareckaite utilized effective striking and clinch work to keep Gatto at bay, including a sequence where she pinned the Brazilian against the cage. the fight also saw a moment of disciplinary action when referee Chris Tognoni docked a point from Kareckaite after she used the fence to maintain her balance during a scramble.
Despite the early advantages and the scoring volatility, Kareckaite was unable to maintain her pace through the end of the fight. While she scored heavily with jabs and body kicks in the second round, Gatto's ability to weather the storm and re-engage in the clinch prevented Kareckaite from securing a decisive shutout. The split decision reflects the narrow margins present in this high-paced flyweight matchup.
Pereira’s heavy pressure forces a Zheleznyakova stoppage
The action at UFC Vegas 122 also featured a significant result in the women's bantamweight division. Brazil's Pereira (7-1) secured a victory against Russia's Zheleznyakova (10-3) after the latter was unable to continue. The bout, adjudicated by Jason Herzog, saw Pereira exert significant pressure through takedowns and ground-and-pound maneuvers.
The fight reached a conclusion when Pereira advanced to full mount, landing a series of punishing elbows and punches. This heavy offensive output resulted in a serious cut on Zheleznyakova. Following an examination by the cageside physician , the Russian fighter informed the referee that she did not wish to continue, handing Pereira a stoppage victory.
The unanswered question of Gatto’s 3-3 UFC record
While the victory provides a boost for Natalia Gatto,her standing within the promotion remains a point of interest. With a current UFC record of 3-3, the split decision win serves as a vital stepping stone, yet it leaves her position in the flyweight rankings somewhat uncertain. The source does not specify who Gatto will face next, leaving her immediate trajectory open to speculation.
Furthermore, the fight leaves questions regarding how Kareckaite will respond to this loss. Having moved to a 1-2 UFC record, the Lithuanian fighter will need to find a way to regain the momentum she displayed in the opening rounds of this bout. For now, the flyweight division awaits clarity on how these results will reshape the upcoming divisional rankings.
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