In a highly anticipated return to the octagon, Mariya Agapova faced off against the formidable Luana Santos at UFC Denver. Agapova, absent from the scene since September 2022, entered the bout with hopes of reclaiming her former glory. Meanwhile, Santos, riding high on the momentum of two consecutive UFC victories, was the favored fighter.
From the outset, it was clear that Santos was not going to make things easy for Agapova. Early in the first round, Santos connected with a powerful right hand that rocked Agapova, sending her reeling. Sensing an opportunity, Santos executed a throw that landed her in a dominant top position. She swiftly transitioned to mount, setting up an arm-triangle choke. Despite Agapova’s efforts to defend, she could do little more than survive the initial onslaught.
Luana Santos 🇧🇷 (8-1) soumet au 1er round Mariya Agapova 🇰🇿 (10-5)
3 combats 2 finish, si on prend pas en compte le Petroski Fremd on est bien là ! 😤#UFCDenver pic.twitter.com/6774CaUC0u
— 5ᵉᵐᵉ Round (@Le5Round_MMA) July 14, 2024
As Agapova tried to rise to her knees, Santos seized the chance to take her back. Demonstrating her grappling prowess, Santos slid her arm under Agapova’s neck and pulled her back into a secure position. With her hooks in place and the choke tightened, Agapova had no choice but to tap out, signaling her defeat by tapping both hands to catch the referee’s attention. The bout ended decisively in the first round at 3:27, marking another impressive victory for Santos.
This win added a third UFC triumph to Santos’ record, extending her winning streak to five consecutive fights. Since her last defeat against Jena Bishop in the LFA in 2022, Santos has shown remarkable improvement and resilience. Her performance at UFC Denver solidified her reputation as a rising star in the women’s flyweight division.
The fight was a testament to Santos’ skill and determination. She entered the octagon with a clear game plan and executed it flawlessly, leaving no doubt about her capabilities. Agapova, despite her best efforts, was outmatched by Santos’ speed, technique, and strategic acumen.
As Santos continues her ascent in the UFC, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how far she can go. Her recent performances suggest that she has the potential to become a dominant force in her division. With each victory, Santos moves one step closer to a title shot, and if her current form is any indication, she will be a formidable contender.
Ya son 3 victorias para Luana Santos y claro que hay baile para celebrar!!! #UFCDenver pic.twitter.com/T9hcs2jkmU
— UFC Español (@UFCEspanol) July 14, 2024
