UFC on FOX 22: Paige VanZant vs. Michelle Waterson results and highlights
Here is how the UFC strawweight fight between Paige VanZant vs. Michelle Waterson at UFC on FOX 22 played out
On Saturday, December 17, fan favorite Paige VanZant squared off against former Invicta FC atomweight champion Michelle Waterson in the the strawweight main event of UFC on FOX 22 in Sacramento.
VanZant, who finished runner-up on the most recent season of Dancing With The Star, was coming off a violent flying switch kick knockout over Bec Rawling at UFC on FOX 21 in the Fall. This not only earned VanZant her first Performance of the Night bonus but also marked just her second career (T)KO victory.
Waterson, a Jackson-Winkeljohn product, had not been seen inside the Octagon since her third round submission win in her UFC debut against TUF 20 alum Angela Magaña at the TUF 21 Finale in July 2015.
Round 1: No touch of the gloves from them two ladies. Circling to the outside VanZant looked to lunge in with a body kick but Waterson countered with her on side kick from the center. Continuing to jump in and out, VanZant kept her back to the cage, looking to connect with a series of body kicks. Looking to close the distance, VanZant ate a right jab before being pushed into the cage following a failed takedown attempt. Working her opponent’s body with knees, VanZant found herself tossed to the canvas with a beautiful hip toss from Waterson.
We see you @KarateHottieMMA! Sweet throw! #UFCSacramento pic.twitter.com/liAWfPuCSp
— #UFCSacramento (@ufc) December 18, 2016
Securing the body lock, Waterson began to work for the rear naked choke. Locking on the choke, Waterson squeezed with all of her might, as VanZant continued to work to free herself. With her face turning red, VanZant was put to sleep as Waterson cranked her neck even tighter, forcing the referee to stop the fight.
Another choke out! @karatehottiemma finishes it in the first round. #UFCSacramento https://t.co/F4KUL60xdU
— FOX Sports: UFC (@UFCONFOX) December 18, 2016
OFFICIAL RESULT: Michelle Watersron def. Paige VanZant via submission (rear naked choke). Round 1, 3:21
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