Two women rising up the ranks in the strawweight division, Jaqueline Amorim and Vanessa Demopoulos, fought to extend their respective win streaks to three at UFC Vegas 97 on Saturday night.
Amorim (8-1) came into the fight on a two-fight win streak with victories over Montserrat Conejo and Cory McKenna. The Brazilian strawweight hoped to build momentum with a win at UFC Vegas 97.
Demopoulos (11-5) was coming off a tough split-decision victory over Emily Ducote in May, and a decision win over Kanako Murata last October. With a bit more UFC experience than her opponent she could have been on the verge of something big with an impressive victory.
What played out on Saturday included just a little bit of controversy in the end. Amorim opened the action with a kick, then fanned on a second one. Demopoulos fired one of her own, but it was caught, leading to the first takedown of the fight. Demopoulos, on her back, looked to push off the fence, but Amorim’s defensive grappling was on point, and she repositioned the pair, out at center.
That allowed Amorim to posture up and land a few punches, before working her way to mount, or close to it, before Demopoulos managed to trap a leg. Vanessa tried to reverse, however, and gave up her back in the process. Demopoulos then began complaining that Amorim’s hands were in her gloves, but despite that, Amorim transitioned to an arm-bar and soon forced the tap! No review, and the result stood with Amorim announced the winner.
A Controversial Finish
The fight was ultimately stopped at 3:28 of the first round after Amorim secured the submission. However, Demopoulos's accusation that Amorim had her fingers in her gloves during the armbar attempt sparked controversy. The referee, Jacob Montalvo, did acknowledge Demopoulos's complaint but ultimately did not call a foul.
Did Amorim Cheat?
The controversy surrounding the finish is centered on the legality of Amorim's grip on Demopoulos' arm during the submission. Demopoulos argued that Amorim had her fingers in her glove, which is illegal under UFC rules. Amorim, however, denied that she did anything wrong.
In the aftermath of the fight, Demopoulos was visibly upset and frustrated with the result. She took to social media to express her disappointment and frustration, claiming that the referee had missed a blatant foul. Amorim, however, maintained her innocence, stating that she did not grab the glove and that the referee was right to let the fight continue.
The Aftermath
While Demopoulos was upset, Amorim ultimately secured the victory, extending her winning streak to three. The Brazilian jiu-jitsu champion has now won three consecutive fights inside the distance, showcasing her exceptional submission skills. Demopoulos, on the other hand, had her two-fight winning streak snapped, adding another layer of frustration to the situation.
The incident at UFC Vegas 97 raises questions about the interpretation and enforcement of the UFC's rules regarding glove grabs. This event has undoubtedly highlighted the subjective nature of refereeing in MMA and the potential for controversial outcomes.
Impact on Both Fighters
The controversy surrounding the finish will likely have an impact on both fighters moving forward. For Amorim, the victory, even with the controversy, strengthens her position in the strawweight division and sets her up for a potential title shot in the near future. For Demopoulos, the loss, coupled with the frustration stemming from the alleged foul, could lead to a period of introspection and a renewed focus on improving her defensive grappling.
Looking Ahead
The controversy surrounding Amorim's win over Demopoulos serves as a reminder that even in the world of professional fighting, where physical dominance reigns supreme, the technicalities of the sport can have a significant impact on the outcome of a match. It is important for the UFC and its fighters to address these technicalities to ensure that the integrity of the sport is maintained.
This incident is also a testament to the unpredictable nature of MMA. As the sport continues to evolve, it is essential to acknowledge and address these unforeseen situations to guarantee a fair and engaging experience for both fighters and fans alike.
The controversy surrounding the finish will undoubtedly continue to be discussed in the days and weeks to come. It remains to be seen if Demopoulos will file a formal complaint with the Nevada State Athletic Commission. Regardless of the outcome, this incident has highlighted the importance of clear rules and objective officiating in the world of MMA.
