TUF 20, Episode 12 fight recaps
The finale episode of the Ultimate Fighter 20 aired tonight at 10:00 PM ET and featured the final two bouts to decide who will fight for the UFC Strawweight championship.
The finale episode of the Ultimate Fighter 20 aired tonight at 10:00 PM ET and featured the final two bouts to decide who will fight for the UFC Strawweight championship.
No. 1 Carla Esparza vs. No. 4 Jessica Penne
Round 1 – Penne lands the first clean strike with an overhand right. Esparza fires back with a combination to the head and body. She then fakes a takedown and comes over the top with a punch that lands, and she continues to mix up her attacks to the body and head. Penne struggles to connect with her counterstrikes, and Esparza uses a lot of footwork and lands her first leg kick of the fight. Penne tries to the close the distance and lands with straight punches, but Esparza responds with more body shots and follows with an overhand. Esparza shoots for a takedown, but Penne rolls through, and they end up back on the feet. Penne lands a number of jabs, but Esparza is far more active. She peppers Penne with the same combination of punches to the body and head. Esparza goes for another takedown and puts Penne on her back. She attempts to work from the guard, but Penne creates distance and stands up before the end of the round.
Round 2 – Esparza’s right eye is swollen, but she continues a high output of strikes. Penne lands a jab followed by a hook, and she then catches a kick and throws a high kick of her own that lands. Esparza tries to get inside with her punches, but Penne’s finding a home for her counters. Both fighters are landing hard shots before Esparza connects with another takedown. She stands right up, though, and lands a few more punches before taking Penne down again. Esparza stays on top this time but throws limited strikes. Penne keeps active from the bottom, but the referee stands them up. Penne pushes forward on the feet, but Esparza is faster and more accurate with her offense. Penne tries to pressure Esparza but can’t land any fight-shifting blows before the end of the round.
Round 3 – Esparza connects with two overhand rights before circling away. Her movement continues to cause problems for Penne since her overhand right lands with frequency. Penne closes the distance with a jab and lands a body kick. Esparza connects with a jab followed by a left hook that snaps back Penne’s head. She follows with a body shot then goes upstairs with the hook. Penne goes for her first takedown of the fight, but Esparza easily stuffs it and lands a hard punch off the break. Penne lands a leg kick but slips to the ground. Esparza briefly gets on top, but they scramble back to an upright position. They throw more strikes, and Esparza connects with another takedown before the end of the round.
Carla Esparza def. Jessica Penne via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
No. 7 Rose Namajunas vs. No. 14 Randa Markos
Round 1 – Namajunas opens with a jab. Markos circles and lands a left hand, and she then charges forward with a combination and clinches. Namajunas reverses the position and lands a takedown. Markos attempts a reversal on the ground, but Namajunas keeps a strong base and controls from half guard. Namajunas attempts to stand up, but Markos keeps ahold of a leg and scrambles into top position. Namajunas attempts a kimura from her back. Markos defends well, but Namajunas flips her over, cranks the arm and forces the submission.
Rose Namajunas def. Randa Markos via submission (kimura) – Round 1