Tatiana Suarez defeats Virna Jandiroba in UFC Vegas 124 co-main event

A colossal women’s strawweight bout between No. 2 ranked Tatiana Suarez and No. 3 ranked Virna Jandiroba served as Saturday’s UFC Vegas 124 co-main event.

Suarez entered the bout riding a two-fight winning streak while Jandiroba bounced back from a loss to champion Mackenzie Dern in her last outing defeating Tabatha Ricci via decision. A win for either former title challengers could have put them back in a title fight.

After a brief feeling out period, Suarez looked to get the fight to the ground. Jandiroba bounced on one leg and remained standing. Suarez worked in the clinch to get a takedown. They separated midway through the frame. Suarez closed the distance and attempted to get Jandiroba to the canvas. They separated with a minute on the clock. Jandiroba changed levels and took Suarez down. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Suarez but it was a difficult round to score.

Jandiroba connected with a right hand early in the second round. Suarez answered with a knee to the body. Suarez worked for a takedown along the cage but Jandiroba defend the attempt and circled free. Suarez attempted to get the fight to the ground but couldn’t. Jandiroba changed levels but her takedown attempt was stuffed with Suarez gaining top position. Suarez delivered punches. Jandiroba isolated a leg snd rolled for knee bar at the bell. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Suarez.

Jandiroba pressed forward in the third. She connected with a right hand. Suarez clinched and landed to the body. She drove forward working for a takedown. Jandiroba grabbed a leg but let it go. Suarez worked in half guard and peppered Jandiroba with short shots. Jandiroba looked for an arm bar and used it to reverse Suarez. Suarez regained top position. She landed short punches and elbows. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Suarez.

The judges scored the fight for Suarez via unanimous decision. The scorecards read 30-27, 30-27, and 29-28.