Amanda Nunes gets in Ronda Rousey sweepstakes with win over Sara McMann
Amanda Nunes wanted to make a statement with her performance on Saturday night instead of making a lot of noise with her words.
She got the job done, and then some, as Nunes put away Olympic silver medalist Sara McMann via rear-naked choke midway through the first round of their UFC Fight Night bout in Nashville.
Nunes showed off some incredible takedown defense as soon as the fight started as McMann tried to apply her wrestling to drag the fight to the mat.
On the feet, it was clear Nunes was the aggressor and much more comfortable as she launched her attacks at McMann throughout the first round until she finally landed a perfectly timed right hand that cracked the No. 4-ranked fighter directly on the jaw.
The pop from the punch saw McMann noticeably wince as she fell to the mat, and Nunes wasted no time following her to the ground where she began to pound away until taking her back while looking for a choke.
Nunes wrapped her forearm under McMann's chin and it didn't take long for the tap out to come at just 2:53 seconds in the first round. Nunes picks up her second victory in a row while sending a strong message to the rest of the fighters at 135 pounds that she's coming for the top of the division.
"I'm ready. I'm the lion. Let's do it," Nunes said after the victory. "The champion (Ronda Rousey) has a fight coming up, maybe I'm next."
Nunes is definitely a name in the mix in the hunt for the title as Rousey continues to look for new competition, there may be another Brazilian coming after her belt soon enough.
