Post by The Sandmen on Dec 23, 2016 11:54:09 GMT -5
Paige VanZant looks very relaxed.
Carla Esparza raises her fists in her corner. She seems confident.
This is the first time they meet inside the cage
It's hard to say who will be winning this fight. The specialized media doesn't have a favourite either.
The referee of the bout is Dan Miragliotta.
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Round 1
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The bell announces the first round!
Paige VanZant shoots for a double leg takedown!
She hits it! Carla Esparza is taken off her feet, but she manages to pull VanZant into her guard.
Paige VanZant is in closed guard over Esparza
VanZant is in closed guard... Esparza tries to roll on the ground!
Paige VanZant uses her leg to keep her position on the ground
Paige VanZant is in closed guard over Esparza
VanZant tries to escape from the closed guard
Paige VanZant any adventage in the ground.
Paige VanZant is in closed guard over Esparza
Esparza launches a few weak punches
Those punches are hitting VanZant's ribs.
Paige VanZant is in closed guard over Esparza
Paige VanZant tries to pass Carla Esparza's guard...
Paige VanZant manages to get her leg free and moves to half guard.
Paige VanZant is in half guard over Esparza
VanZant tries to get a side mount...
Esparza wraps her leg around Paige VanZant leg and prevents her from moving.
VanZant clumsily fails here and it's time for Carla Esparza to fight back!
Carla Esparza sits up and gets an arm around VanZant's neck!
VanZant pushes Carla Esparza back to the ground.
Paige VanZant is in half guard over Esparza
Carla Esparza attempts to move to full guard
Carla Esparza manages to switch to full guard.
Paige VanZant is in closed guard over Esparza
Carla Esparza launches a few punches to VanZant's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because VanZant tries to cover her face,
Paige VanZant is in closed guard over Esparza
Paige VanZant tries to better her position on the ground...
Esparza holds Paige VanZant's head against her chin in the closed guard.
Paige VanZant gets sloppy and Carla Esparza tries to take advantage...
Carla Esparza overhooks an arm and starts cranking! Interesting meneuver.
VanZant pulls her arm out of danger.
Paige VanZant is in closed guard over Esparza
Carla Esparza launches a few punches to VanZant's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because VanZant tries to cover her face,
Paige VanZant is in closed guard over Esparza
Carla Esparza launches a few punches to VanZant's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because VanZant tries to cover her face,
The clock says 2:10 in the 1 round
Paige VanZant is in closed guard over Esparza
Paige VanZant doesn't want to continue the fight in this position and tries to get back on her feet
She moves fast and now she is standing
Esparza tries to stand up!
VanZant doesn't allow her!
Dan Miragliotta halts the fight to stand up Paige VanZant. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
VanZant is holding Carla Esparza's right leg... She's trying to take her down.
Carla Esparza loses balance and goes to the ground.
Esparza Hyper-extended her arm
Paige VanZant is in side mount over Carla Esparza
Paige VanZant looks to pass to mount...
Esparza creates space and scrambles back to her feet.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Paige VanZant takes a few seconds to recover her breath...
The clock says 2:45 in the 1 round
VanZant seems hesitant as if she would give the initiative to her opponent.
VanZant is holding Carla Esparza's left leg... She's trying to take her down.
Carla Esparza loses balance and goes to the ground.
Paige VanZant is in side mount over Carla Esparza
Esparza measures the resilience of VanZant's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in VanZant's side.
Paige VanZant is in side mount over Carla Esparza
Carla Esparza launches a few punches to VanZant's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because VanZant tries to cover her face,
Paige VanZant is in side mount over Carla Esparza
VanZant is taking this opportunity to rest.
Paige VanZant is in side mount over Carla Esparza
Paige VanZant looks to pass to mount...
VanZant slides her knee across and achieves the mount position! Tough spot for Carla Esparza.
Paige VanZant is in full mount over Carla Esparza
VanZant suddenly holds Carla Esparza's arm and tries an armbar!
Esparza can break the lock and now she is in a closed guard over Paige VanZant!
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over VanZant
Esparza tries to escape from closed guard...
VanZant waits for the moment and tries to roll! Too late for Carla Esparza! She is reversed and nor Paige VanZant is on half guard!
Paige VanZant is in half guard over Esparza
Carla Esparza tries to close the guard.
Nothing from this effort.
Paige VanZant is in half guard over Esparza
Paige VanZant pushes Esparza's leg and tries to move to full mount.
Nice move by VanZant who is in full mount! Esparza is in trouble now!
Paige VanZant is in full mount over Carla Esparza
VanZant is moving on the ground...
Ouch! That was a headbutt! Did she do that intentionally?
Dan Miragliotta didn't see the foul!
Paige VanZant is in full mount over Carla Esparza
Paige VanZant tries to finish the fight with an armbar from the top
Esparza is smart enough to avoid the submission attempt
The referee decides to stand up the fighters since there was not much action on the ground.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Carla Esparza shoots for a double leg takedown!
Paige VanZant sprawls and manages to stay on her feet.
Esparza misses a step and Paige VanZant sees an opportunity to counter her!
Paige VanZant tries to finish the fight with an armbar from the top
Esparza is smart enough to avoid the submission attempt
The two exchange wildly
VanZant is connecting with a few punches
The referee separates the fighters as the buzzer sounds.
I don't think either fighter did more than the other that round.
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Round 2
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Carla Esparza attempts a sweep single...
Carla Esparza catches Paige VanZant's far ankle and trips her to the mat! Slick takedown by Esparza.
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over VanZant
Esparza is one of those men capable of pounding you into oblivion!
Esparza launches a barrage of elbows over VanZant's face!
Those elbows may finish the fight soon if VanZant doesn't fight back!
VanZant has a small cut in her Forehead
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over VanZant
Carla Esparza looks to posture up and open Paige VanZant's guard...
Paige VanZant has a solid guard and keeps her ankles locked.
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over VanZant
VanZant tries to move on the ground and shows Carla Esparza a crack in her guard which she uses for a big elbow!
Bang! VanZant's forehead receives a strong elbow that rocks her head against the mat! Dan Miragliotta knows she may be calling off the fight soon!
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over VanZant
Carla Esparza is looking to pass Paige VanZant's guard...
Carla Esparza gets her hips free and moves to half guard.
Carla Esparza is in half guard over VanZant
Carla Esparza tries to free her leg
Carla Esparza uses some of her skill by jumping out of VanZant's guard. She moves quickly to side mount!
Carla Esparza is in side mount over Paige VanZant
Paige VanZant attempts to trap Carla Esparza in her guard.
Paige VanZant manages to switch to full guard.
The clock says 1:20 in the 2 round
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over VanZant
VanZant tries to stand up!
she is now on her feet
Dan Miragliotta halts the fight to stand up Paige VanZant. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Esparza decides to launch some tentative punches
Paige VanZant takes the best of a brief punching exchange.
Esparza launches a flurry of punches
VanZant slips out of danger.
Esparza clumsily fails here and it's time for Paige VanZant to fight back!
Paige VanZant throws an uppercut
Esparza slips it.
Esparza grabs her opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Great takedown by Carla Esparza
Carla Esparza is in open guard over VanZant
The fans are in for a real treat now. It's always fun to watch Paige VanZant work her BJJ game.
VanZant tries to close her guard around Esparza
She is not able to do it
Carla Esparza is in open guard over VanZant
VanZant sure knows how to turn you into a pretzel. She can finish the fight anytime while on the ground.
VanZant tries to close her guard around Esparza
She succeeds!
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over VanZant
Esparza cornermen are yelling for her man to escape from the ground as VanZant can finish a fight on the ground with some good pounding if you give her the chance.
Esparza is in closed guard... VanZant tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! She is now in full mount over Carla Esparza!
Paige VanZant is in full mount over Carla Esparza
Esparza is using some of her ground skills to escape from this...
She pushes VanZant's knee away and tries to roll! Nice move to get half guard!
The clock says 2:35 in the 2 round
Carla Esparza is in half guard over VanZant
Paige VanZant tries to close the guard.
Nothing from this effort.
Carla Esparza is in half guard over VanZant
Esparza tries to get a side mount...
She frees her leg and is now controlling VanZant from the side mount!
Carla Esparza is in side mount over Paige VanZant
VanZant tries to show some ground skills
Paige VanZant put Esparza in half guard.
The clock says 3:05 in the 2 round
Carla Esparza is in half guard over VanZant
Paige VanZant attempts to move to full guard
Carla Esparza keeps good control and remains in half guard.
The clock says 3:15 in the 2 round
Carla Esparza is in half guard over VanZant
Carla Esparza tries to pass Paige VanZant's guard...
Carla Esparza manages to get her leg free and moves to side mount.
The clock says 3:25 in the 2 round
Carla Esparza is in side mount over Paige VanZant
VanZant measures the resilience of Esparza's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Esparza blocks the hits as she works on the ground.
Carla Esparza is in side mount over Paige VanZant
VanZant measures the resilience of Esparza's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Esparza blocks the hits as she works on the ground.
Paige VanZant gets sloppy and Carla Esparza tries to take advantage...
Esparza is looking to end this fight with strikes
She starts to pound away at Paige VanZant, who is barely covering up!
Carla Esparza is in side mount over Paige VanZant
Paige VanZant attempts to trap Carla Esparza in her guard.
Carla Esparza keeps control and remains in side mount.
The referee decides to stand up the fighters since there was not much action on the ground.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Paige VanZant shoots for a double leg takedown!
She hits it! Carla Esparza is taken off her feet, but she manages to pull VanZant into her guard.
Esparza ribs are getting hammered, they look bad!
Paige VanZant is in closed guard over Esparza
VanZant is in closed guard... Esparza tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! She is now in full mount over Paige VanZant!
Carla Esparza is in full mount over Paige VanZant
VanZant is moving on the ground...
Ouch! That was a headbutt! Did she do that intentionally?
Dan Miragliotta didn't see that!
The clock says 4:30 in the 2 round
Carla Esparza is in full mount over Paige VanZant
Paige VanZant tries to roll to her side and trap Carla Esparza in her guard...
Paige VanZant gets her hip out and moves to full guard.
Carla Esparza is in full mount over Paige VanZant
Paige VanZant tries to roll to her side and trap Carla Esparza in her guard...
Paige VanZant moves to half guard.
Carla Esparza is in half guard over VanZant
Paige VanZant tries to close the guard.
Nothing from this effort.
Esparza tries to get some advantage after her opponent miss move...
Esparza throws a few hammer fists to the face of Paige VanZant
Blocked by VanZant.
Carla Esparza is in half guard over VanZant
VanZant is moving on the ground...
Ouch! That was a headbutt! Did she do that intentionally?
Dan Miragliotta saw it!
Dan Miragliotta allows Esparza time to recover... The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
The buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round. The ref tells the fighters to go to their corner.
I don't think either fighter did more than the other that round.
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Round 3
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VanZant is holding Carla Esparza's left leg... She's trying to take her down.
Carla Esparza loses balance and goes to the ground.
Paige VanZant is in side mount over Carla Esparza
Esparza measures the resilience of VanZant's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in VanZant's side.
Paige VanZant is in side mount over Carla Esparza
Carla Esparza attempts to trap Paige VanZant in her guard.
Paige VanZant keeps control and remains in side mount.
The clock says 0:45 in the 3 round
Paige VanZant is in side mount over Carla Esparza
VanZant tries to move to full mount!
Esparza won't allow her to take this position easily.
Paige VanZant is in side mount over Carla Esparza
Carla Esparza attempts to trap Paige VanZant in her guard.
Paige VanZant keeps control and remains in side mount.
Paige VanZant is in side mount over Carla Esparza
Carla Esparza launches a few punches to VanZant's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because VanZant tries to cover her face,
Paige VanZant is in side mount over Carla Esparza
Carla Esparza attempts to trap Paige VanZant in her guard.
Paige VanZant keeps control and remains in side mount.
The clock says 1:30 in the 3 round
Paige VanZant is in side mount over Carla Esparza
Carla Esparza attempts to trap Paige VanZant in her guard.
Paige VanZant keeps control and remains in side mount.
Paige VanZant is in side mount over Carla Esparza
Paige VanZant looks to mount Carla Esparza...
Carla Esparza takes advantage of her opponent's over commitment and traps her in full guard.
The clock says 1:50 in the 3 round
Paige VanZant is in open guard over Esparza
Paige VanZant tries to pass to half guard...
Carla Esparza can't prevent her opponent from passing. VanZant looks to work from half guard.
Paige VanZant is in half guard over Esparza
VanZant launches a few fake punches and tries to escape!
Carla Esparza is not able to stop Esparza ground skills and Paige VanZant moves to side mount!
Paige VanZant is in side mount over Carla Esparza
The fans are in for a real treat now. It's always fun to watch Paige VanZant work her BJJ game.
VanZant tries to move to full mount!
Esparza won't allow her to take this position easily.
Paige VanZant is in side mount over Carla Esparza
Carla Esparza launches a few punches to VanZant's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because VanZant tries to cover her face,
Paige VanZant is in side mount over Carla Esparza
Paige VanZant looks to mount Carla Esparza...
Carla Esparza takes advantage of her opponent's over commitment and traps her in full guard.
Paige VanZant is in open guard over Esparza
Paige VanZant tries to pass to half guard...
Carla Esparza can't prevent her opponent from passing. VanZant looks to work from half guard.
Paige VanZant is in half guard over Esparza
Paige VanZant tries to free her leg...
Esparza rolls on the ground and moves to side mount! Awesome maneuver!
Carla Esparza is in side mount over Paige VanZant
Paige VanZant attempts to trap Carla Esparza in her guard.
Carla Esparza keeps control and remains in side mount.
Dan Miragliotta stands the fighters up due to a lack of activity.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
The clock says 3:05 in the 3 round
VanZant decides to launch some tentative punches
Esparza launches a couple of jabs that are answered by VanZant with a stiff cross! Solid exchange!
Esparza and VanZant circle around the center of the cage.
Crisp uppercut by VanZant followed by a hard jab
Carla Esparza stumbles back.
Paige VanZant takes a few seconds to recover her breath...
Carla Esparza launches a body shot
VanZant dodges and catches her with a hard cross.
VanZant is holding Carla Esparza's right leg... She's trying to take her down.
Carla Esparza loses balance and goes to the ground.
Carla Esparza seems hurt! She stumbles backwards and she's an easy target for Paige VanZant!
Paige VanZant is in side mount over Carla Esparza
Paige VanZant looks to pass to mount...
VanZant slides her knee across and achieves the mount position! Tough spot for Carla Esparza.
The clock says 4:20 in the 3 round
Paige VanZant is in full mount over Carla Esparza
Carla Esparza tries to roll on the ground...
VanZant knows how to keep her advantage on the ground.
Paige VanZant is in full mount over Carla Esparza
Esparza is using some of her ground skills to escape from this...
Paige VanZant pushes Carla Esparza down and prevents her attempts to escape
VanZant is trying to counter now!
VanZant suddenly holds Carla Esparza's arm and tries an armbar!
Esparza can break the lock and now she is in a closed guard over Paige VanZant!
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over VanZant
Esparza tries to escape from the closed guard
Carla Esparza any adventage in the ground.
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over VanZant
Carla Esparza fakes some punches
then lands a big punch to VanZant's face!
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over VanZant
Esparza tries to escape from the closed guard
Esparza succeeds and she's now in open guard... she takes a second to breathe
The referee separates the fighters as the buzzer sounds.
I would be surprised if the judges didn't see that round for VanZant.
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Round 4
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Esparza studies her opponent looking for a hole in her defense.
VanZant is holding Carla Esparza's right leg... She's trying to take her down.
Carla Esparza loses balance and goes to the ground.
Paige VanZant is in side mount over Carla Esparza
Paige VanZant looks to mount Carla Esparza...
Carla Esparza takes advantage of her opponent's over commitment and traps her in full guard.
Paige VanZant is in closed guard over Esparza
Carla Esparza launches a few punches to VanZant's cheek from the guard.
Paige VanZant uses her head to cover the punches and presses her skull forward.
Paige VanZant is in closed guard over Esparza
Paige VanZant is looking to pass Carla Esparza's guard...
Carla Esparza has a solid guard and keeps her ankles locked.
The clock says 1:10 in the 4 round
Paige VanZant is in closed guard over Esparza
You have to give credit to the match-maker for putting on such an even fight.
Paige VanZant tries to pass Carla Esparza's guard...
Paige VanZant manages to get her leg free and moves to half guard.
Paige VanZant is in half guard over Esparza
VanZant launches a few fake punches and tries to escape!
VanZant is countered by Carla Esparza.
VanZant clumsily fails here and it's time for Carla Esparza to fight back!
Carla Esparza decides to jump inside VanZant's guard.
VanZant didn't see that coming. Esparza is in open guard over VanZant now.
Carla Esparza is in open guard over VanZant
VanZant works on the ground with her fingers over Esparza's face
She seems to have encountered the eye! What a classless move!
Dan Miragliotta saw it!
Dan Miragliotta halts the fight to give Esparza time to recover. Carla Esparza seems to be ready to fight again. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Carla Esparza tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
VanZant is unable to remain on her feet and falls to the ground
Carla Esparza is in open guard over VanZant
VanZant tries to close her guard around Esparza
She is not able to do it
Carla Esparza is in open guard over VanZant
VanZant tries to close her guard around Esparza
She succeeds!
The clock says 2:10 in the 4 round
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over VanZant
Paige VanZant is a submission wizard. She has forgotten more BJJ than most fighters have learned.
Esparza is in closed guard... VanZant tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! She is now in full mount over Carla Esparza!
Paige VanZant is in full mount over Carla Esparza
Paige VanZant takes a deep breath as she passes her arm over Carla Esparza shoulder and pushes her arm againts the mat!
Carla Esparza breaks that americana attempt!
VanZant clumsily fails here and it's time for Carla Esparza to fight back!
Esparza measures the resilience of VanZant's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in VanZant's side.
The clock says 2:30 in the 4 round
Paige VanZant is in full mount over Carla Esparza
Esparza tries to move on the ground and escape from the full mount!
Paige VanZant doesn't want to lose her adventageous position and she struggles to mantain the full mount.
Paige VanZant is in full mount over Carla Esparza
Paige VanZant throws the leg over and rolls it over into an armbar!
Esparza breaks the lock showing some skills...
Esparza tries to get some advantage after her opponent miss move...
Carla Esparza tries to roll to her side and trap Paige VanZant in her guard...
Carla Esparza gets her hip out and moves to full guard.
Paige VanZant is in full mount over Carla Esparza
VanZant catch Carla Esparza's left arm and tries a kimura
Carla Esparza holds her own arm and struggles until she gets free
Paige VanZant is in full mount over Carla Esparza
Paige VanZant takes a deep breath as she passes her arm over Carla Esparza shoulder and pushes her left arm againts the mat!
Carla Esparza breaks that americana attempt!
Dan Miragliotta has seen enough passivity on the ground and stands up the fighters.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Mall of Asia Arena (Bay City, Philippines) are cheering for the fighters.
Paige VanZant and Esparza engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Both fighters are missing terribly.
Esparza wants to take the fight to her advantage and tries to clinch.
Esparza moves forward and holds VanZant
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
VanZant grapple with Carla Esparza and tries a Inner leg Sweep
Carla Esparza falls hard on the mat with Paige VanZant on top of her
The clock says 3:45 in the 4 round
Paige VanZant is in half guard over Esparza
Paige VanZant tries to pass Carla Esparza's guard...
Paige VanZant passes momentarily but Carla Esparza regains half guard.
Paige VanZant is in half guard over Esparza
VanZant tries to get a side mount...
Esparza wraps her leg around Paige VanZant leg and prevents her from moving.
Paige VanZant is in half guard over Esparza
VanZant tries to get a side mount...
Esparza wraps her leg around Paige VanZant leg and prevents her from moving.
Paige VanZant is in half guard over Esparza
The fans are in for a real treat now. It's always fun to watch Paige VanZant work her BJJ game.
Paige VanZant tries to pass Carla Esparza's guard...
Carla Esparza's guard is too good and she fails to pass.
Paige VanZant is in half guard over Esparza
Carla Esparza launches a few punches to VanZant's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because VanZant tries to cover her face,
Paige VanZant is in half guard over Esparza
VanZant positions herself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
Esparza's attempts to cover herself and blocks those elbows.
Paige VanZant is in half guard over Esparza
Paige VanZant tries to free her leg
Carla Esparza moves fast and both fighters exchange some weak punches while climbing to their feet.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Mall of Asia Arena (Bay City, Philippines) are cheering for the fighters.
VanZant grabs her opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Esparza struggles... Paige VanZant is unable to take her down
VanZant misses a step and Carla Esparza sees an opportunity to counter her!
Solid shot from Carla Esparza to the body.
VanZant didn't like that.
Dan Miragliotta tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
The round is for Esparza, who walks calmly to her corner.
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Round 5
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VanZant is swinging for the fences!
A hit that almost breaks Esparza's jaw!
VanZant is holding Carla Esparza's left leg... She's trying to take her down.
Carla Esparza loses balance and goes to the ground.
Paige VanZant is in side mount over Carla Esparza
VanZant has a high cardio that helps her make great performances.
VanZant tries to move to full mount!
Esparza won't allow her to take this position easily.
Paige VanZant is in side mount over Carla Esparza
VanZant tries to move to full mount!
Nice move. She is in full mount now.
The clock says 0:50 in the 5 round
Paige VanZant is in full mount over Carla Esparza
Paige VanZant isolates Carla Esparza's arm and neck looking for an arm triangle
That Arm Triangle looks tight...
You can see the pain reflected in Esparza's eyes...
Carla Esparza is able to relieve the pressure on her neck and slip out of the hold.
Paige VanZant is in full mount over Carla Esparza
Carla Esparza tries to roll to her side and trap Paige VanZant in her guard...
Paige VanZant keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Paige VanZant is in full mount over Carla Esparza
Esparza launches a few weak punches
Those punches are hitting VanZant's ribs.
Paige VanZant is in full mount over Carla Esparza
Paige VanZant hovers above Esparza
Good punches to Esparza's body.
The clock says 1:30 in the 5 round
Paige VanZant is in full mount over Carla Esparza
VanZant suddenly holds Carla Esparza's arm and tries an armbar!
Esparza can break the lock and now she is in a closed guard over Paige VanZant!
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over VanZant
Esparza is in closed guard... VanZant tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! She is now in full mount over Carla Esparza!
Paige VanZant is in full mount over Carla Esparza
Paige VanZant sits high on Carla Esparza's chest and pulls her leg underneath Esparza's head. There's the triangle attempt!
That Triangle from Mount from Paige VanZant appears to be unbreakable
You can see the pain reflected in Esparza's eyes...
Esparza's Nose is beginning to swell
VanZant is locking that Triangle from Mount...
Crippling lock!
Esparza tries to roll out. She's too quick for Paige VanZant and manages to slip out! That was a risky move by VanZant and it cost her top position.
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over VanZant
Esparza is in closed guard... VanZant tries to roll on the ground!
Carla Esparza uses her leg to keep her position on the ground
VanZant clumsily fails here and it's time for Carla Esparza to fight back!
Carla Esparza aggressively and repeatedly punches VanZant.
Good job by VanZant blocking and slipping the blows.
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over VanZant
Esparza is in closed guard... VanZant tries to roll on the ground!
Carla Esparza uses her leg to keep her position on the ground
Paige VanZant gets sloppy and Carla Esparza tries to take advantage...
Carla Esparza fakes some punches
VanZant ties her up.
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over VanZant
Esparza tries to stand up!
VanZant doesn't allow her!
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over VanZant
Esparza is in closed guard... VanZant tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! She is now in full mount over Carla Esparza!
Paige VanZant is in full mount over Carla Esparza
Esparza tries to move on the ground and escape from the full mount!
Paige VanZant doesn't want to lose her adventageous position and she struggles to mantain the full mount.
Dan Miragliotta has seen enough passivity on the ground and stands up the fighters.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
The clock says 2:50 in the 5 round
The two exchange wildly
VanZant is connecting with a few punches
Esparza fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Paige VanZant didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
Carla Esparza is in open guard over VanZant
VanZant tries to close her guard around Esparza
She succeeds!
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over VanZant
Esparza is in closed guard... VanZant tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! She is now in full mount over Carla Esparza!
Paige VanZant is in full mount over Carla Esparza
Paige VanZant throws the leg over and rolls it over into an armbar!
That Armbar looks tight...
Esparza breaks the lock showing some skills...
Paige VanZant is in full mount over Carla Esparza
Paige VanZant takes a deep breath as she passes her arm over Carla Esparza shoulder and pushes her arm againts the mat!
Carla Esparza breaks that americana attempt!
Paige VanZant is in full mount over Carla Esparza
Esparza measures the resilience of VanZant's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
VanZant blocks the hits as she works on the ground.
Paige VanZant is in full mount over Carla Esparza
Paige VanZant tries to finish the fight with an armbar from the top
Punishing hold!
Esparza's arm is getting wrenched, it appears to be injured
That armbar from Paige VanZant appears to be unbreakable
Punishing hold!
That armbar looks tight...
Esparza is smart enough to avoid the submission attempt
Paige VanZant is in full mount over Carla Esparza
VanZant catch Carla Esparza's left arm and tries a kimura
Punishing hold!
Punishing hold!
Carla Esparza holds her own arm and struggles until she gets free
Paige VanZant is in full mount over Carla Esparza
Esparza tries to stand up!
VanZant doesn't allow her!
Paige VanZant is in full mount over Carla Esparza
Paige VanZant throws the leg over and rolls it over into an armbar!
Esparza breaks the lock showing some skills...
Dan Miragliotta tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
This round is clearly for Paige VanZant.
Winner is Paige VanZant by Majority decision
Statistics: Paige VanZant
Punches 14/21 (67%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 4/4 (100%)
Takedowns 8/9 (89%)
GnP strikes 3/10 (30%)
Submissions 16/16 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 1173 s
Statistics: Carla Esparza
Punches 5/15 (33%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 4/5 (80%)
GnP strikes 33/60 (55%)
Submissions 2/2 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)
Time on the ground 1173 s
Good fight. Both are legit.
Carla Esparza raises her fists in her corner. She seems confident.
This is the first time they meet inside the cage
It's hard to say who will be winning this fight. The specialized media doesn't have a favourite either.
The referee of the bout is Dan Miragliotta.
=========================================
Round 1
=========================================
The bell announces the first round!
Paige VanZant shoots for a double leg takedown!
She hits it! Carla Esparza is taken off her feet, but she manages to pull VanZant into her guard.
Paige VanZant is in closed guard over Esparza
VanZant is in closed guard... Esparza tries to roll on the ground!
Paige VanZant uses her leg to keep her position on the ground
Paige VanZant is in closed guard over Esparza
VanZant tries to escape from the closed guard
Paige VanZant any adventage in the ground.
Paige VanZant is in closed guard over Esparza
Esparza launches a few weak punches
Those punches are hitting VanZant's ribs.
Paige VanZant is in closed guard over Esparza
Paige VanZant tries to pass Carla Esparza's guard...
Paige VanZant manages to get her leg free and moves to half guard.
Paige VanZant is in half guard over Esparza
VanZant tries to get a side mount...
Esparza wraps her leg around Paige VanZant leg and prevents her from moving.
VanZant clumsily fails here and it's time for Carla Esparza to fight back!
Carla Esparza sits up and gets an arm around VanZant's neck!
VanZant pushes Carla Esparza back to the ground.
Paige VanZant is in half guard over Esparza
Carla Esparza attempts to move to full guard
Carla Esparza manages to switch to full guard.
Paige VanZant is in closed guard over Esparza
Carla Esparza launches a few punches to VanZant's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because VanZant tries to cover her face,
Paige VanZant is in closed guard over Esparza
Paige VanZant tries to better her position on the ground...
Esparza holds Paige VanZant's head against her chin in the closed guard.
Paige VanZant gets sloppy and Carla Esparza tries to take advantage...
Carla Esparza overhooks an arm and starts cranking! Interesting meneuver.
VanZant pulls her arm out of danger.
Paige VanZant is in closed guard over Esparza
Carla Esparza launches a few punches to VanZant's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because VanZant tries to cover her face,
Paige VanZant is in closed guard over Esparza
Carla Esparza launches a few punches to VanZant's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because VanZant tries to cover her face,
The clock says 2:10 in the 1 round
Paige VanZant is in closed guard over Esparza
Paige VanZant doesn't want to continue the fight in this position and tries to get back on her feet
She moves fast and now she is standing
Esparza tries to stand up!
VanZant doesn't allow her!
Dan Miragliotta halts the fight to stand up Paige VanZant. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
VanZant is holding Carla Esparza's right leg... She's trying to take her down.
Carla Esparza loses balance and goes to the ground.
Esparza Hyper-extended her arm
Paige VanZant is in side mount over Carla Esparza
Paige VanZant looks to pass to mount...
Esparza creates space and scrambles back to her feet.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Paige VanZant takes a few seconds to recover her breath...
The clock says 2:45 in the 1 round
VanZant seems hesitant as if she would give the initiative to her opponent.
VanZant is holding Carla Esparza's left leg... She's trying to take her down.
Carla Esparza loses balance and goes to the ground.
Paige VanZant is in side mount over Carla Esparza
Esparza measures the resilience of VanZant's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in VanZant's side.
Paige VanZant is in side mount over Carla Esparza
Carla Esparza launches a few punches to VanZant's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because VanZant tries to cover her face,
Paige VanZant is in side mount over Carla Esparza
VanZant is taking this opportunity to rest.
Paige VanZant is in side mount over Carla Esparza
Paige VanZant looks to pass to mount...
VanZant slides her knee across and achieves the mount position! Tough spot for Carla Esparza.
Paige VanZant is in full mount over Carla Esparza
VanZant suddenly holds Carla Esparza's arm and tries an armbar!
Esparza can break the lock and now she is in a closed guard over Paige VanZant!
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over VanZant
Esparza tries to escape from closed guard...
VanZant waits for the moment and tries to roll! Too late for Carla Esparza! She is reversed and nor Paige VanZant is on half guard!
Paige VanZant is in half guard over Esparza
Carla Esparza tries to close the guard.
Nothing from this effort.
Paige VanZant is in half guard over Esparza
Paige VanZant pushes Esparza's leg and tries to move to full mount.
Nice move by VanZant who is in full mount! Esparza is in trouble now!
Paige VanZant is in full mount over Carla Esparza
VanZant is moving on the ground...
Ouch! That was a headbutt! Did she do that intentionally?
Dan Miragliotta didn't see the foul!
Paige VanZant is in full mount over Carla Esparza
Paige VanZant tries to finish the fight with an armbar from the top
Esparza is smart enough to avoid the submission attempt
The referee decides to stand up the fighters since there was not much action on the ground.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Carla Esparza shoots for a double leg takedown!
Paige VanZant sprawls and manages to stay on her feet.
Esparza misses a step and Paige VanZant sees an opportunity to counter her!
Paige VanZant tries to finish the fight with an armbar from the top
Esparza is smart enough to avoid the submission attempt
The two exchange wildly
VanZant is connecting with a few punches
The referee separates the fighters as the buzzer sounds.
I don't think either fighter did more than the other that round.
=========================================
Round 2
=========================================
Carla Esparza attempts a sweep single...
Carla Esparza catches Paige VanZant's far ankle and trips her to the mat! Slick takedown by Esparza.
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over VanZant
Esparza is one of those men capable of pounding you into oblivion!
Esparza launches a barrage of elbows over VanZant's face!
Those elbows may finish the fight soon if VanZant doesn't fight back!
VanZant has a small cut in her Forehead
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over VanZant
Carla Esparza looks to posture up and open Paige VanZant's guard...
Paige VanZant has a solid guard and keeps her ankles locked.
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over VanZant
VanZant tries to move on the ground and shows Carla Esparza a crack in her guard which she uses for a big elbow!
Bang! VanZant's forehead receives a strong elbow that rocks her head against the mat! Dan Miragliotta knows she may be calling off the fight soon!
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over VanZant
Carla Esparza is looking to pass Paige VanZant's guard...
Carla Esparza gets her hips free and moves to half guard.
Carla Esparza is in half guard over VanZant
Carla Esparza tries to free her leg
Carla Esparza uses some of her skill by jumping out of VanZant's guard. She moves quickly to side mount!
Carla Esparza is in side mount over Paige VanZant
Paige VanZant attempts to trap Carla Esparza in her guard.
Paige VanZant manages to switch to full guard.
The clock says 1:20 in the 2 round
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over VanZant
VanZant tries to stand up!
she is now on her feet
Dan Miragliotta halts the fight to stand up Paige VanZant. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Esparza decides to launch some tentative punches
Paige VanZant takes the best of a brief punching exchange.
Esparza launches a flurry of punches
VanZant slips out of danger.
Esparza clumsily fails here and it's time for Paige VanZant to fight back!
Paige VanZant throws an uppercut
Esparza slips it.
Esparza grabs her opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Great takedown by Carla Esparza
Carla Esparza is in open guard over VanZant
The fans are in for a real treat now. It's always fun to watch Paige VanZant work her BJJ game.
VanZant tries to close her guard around Esparza
She is not able to do it
Carla Esparza is in open guard over VanZant
VanZant sure knows how to turn you into a pretzel. She can finish the fight anytime while on the ground.
VanZant tries to close her guard around Esparza
She succeeds!
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over VanZant
Esparza cornermen are yelling for her man to escape from the ground as VanZant can finish a fight on the ground with some good pounding if you give her the chance.
Esparza is in closed guard... VanZant tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! She is now in full mount over Carla Esparza!
Paige VanZant is in full mount over Carla Esparza
Esparza is using some of her ground skills to escape from this...
She pushes VanZant's knee away and tries to roll! Nice move to get half guard!
The clock says 2:35 in the 2 round
Carla Esparza is in half guard over VanZant
Paige VanZant tries to close the guard.
Nothing from this effort.
Carla Esparza is in half guard over VanZant
Esparza tries to get a side mount...
She frees her leg and is now controlling VanZant from the side mount!
Carla Esparza is in side mount over Paige VanZant
VanZant tries to show some ground skills
Paige VanZant put Esparza in half guard.
The clock says 3:05 in the 2 round
Carla Esparza is in half guard over VanZant
Paige VanZant attempts to move to full guard
Carla Esparza keeps good control and remains in half guard.
The clock says 3:15 in the 2 round
Carla Esparza is in half guard over VanZant
Carla Esparza tries to pass Paige VanZant's guard...
Carla Esparza manages to get her leg free and moves to side mount.
The clock says 3:25 in the 2 round
Carla Esparza is in side mount over Paige VanZant
VanZant measures the resilience of Esparza's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Esparza blocks the hits as she works on the ground.
Carla Esparza is in side mount over Paige VanZant
VanZant measures the resilience of Esparza's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Esparza blocks the hits as she works on the ground.
Paige VanZant gets sloppy and Carla Esparza tries to take advantage...
Esparza is looking to end this fight with strikes
She starts to pound away at Paige VanZant, who is barely covering up!
Carla Esparza is in side mount over Paige VanZant
Paige VanZant attempts to trap Carla Esparza in her guard.
Carla Esparza keeps control and remains in side mount.
The referee decides to stand up the fighters since there was not much action on the ground.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Paige VanZant shoots for a double leg takedown!
She hits it! Carla Esparza is taken off her feet, but she manages to pull VanZant into her guard.
Esparza ribs are getting hammered, they look bad!
Paige VanZant is in closed guard over Esparza
VanZant is in closed guard... Esparza tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! She is now in full mount over Paige VanZant!
Carla Esparza is in full mount over Paige VanZant
VanZant is moving on the ground...
Ouch! That was a headbutt! Did she do that intentionally?
Dan Miragliotta didn't see that!
The clock says 4:30 in the 2 round
Carla Esparza is in full mount over Paige VanZant
Paige VanZant tries to roll to her side and trap Carla Esparza in her guard...
Paige VanZant gets her hip out and moves to full guard.
Carla Esparza is in full mount over Paige VanZant
Paige VanZant tries to roll to her side and trap Carla Esparza in her guard...
Paige VanZant moves to half guard.
Carla Esparza is in half guard over VanZant
Paige VanZant tries to close the guard.
Nothing from this effort.
Esparza tries to get some advantage after her opponent miss move...
Esparza throws a few hammer fists to the face of Paige VanZant
Blocked by VanZant.
Carla Esparza is in half guard over VanZant
VanZant is moving on the ground...
Ouch! That was a headbutt! Did she do that intentionally?
Dan Miragliotta saw it!
Dan Miragliotta allows Esparza time to recover... The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
The buzzer sounds, marking the end of the round. The ref tells the fighters to go to their corner.
I don't think either fighter did more than the other that round.
=========================================
Round 3
=========================================
VanZant is holding Carla Esparza's left leg... She's trying to take her down.
Carla Esparza loses balance and goes to the ground.
Paige VanZant is in side mount over Carla Esparza
Esparza measures the resilience of VanZant's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in VanZant's side.
Paige VanZant is in side mount over Carla Esparza
Carla Esparza attempts to trap Paige VanZant in her guard.
Paige VanZant keeps control and remains in side mount.
The clock says 0:45 in the 3 round
Paige VanZant is in side mount over Carla Esparza
VanZant tries to move to full mount!
Esparza won't allow her to take this position easily.
Paige VanZant is in side mount over Carla Esparza
Carla Esparza attempts to trap Paige VanZant in her guard.
Paige VanZant keeps control and remains in side mount.
Paige VanZant is in side mount over Carla Esparza
Carla Esparza launches a few punches to VanZant's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because VanZant tries to cover her face,
Paige VanZant is in side mount over Carla Esparza
Carla Esparza attempts to trap Paige VanZant in her guard.
Paige VanZant keeps control and remains in side mount.
The clock says 1:30 in the 3 round
Paige VanZant is in side mount over Carla Esparza
Carla Esparza attempts to trap Paige VanZant in her guard.
Paige VanZant keeps control and remains in side mount.
Paige VanZant is in side mount over Carla Esparza
Paige VanZant looks to mount Carla Esparza...
Carla Esparza takes advantage of her opponent's over commitment and traps her in full guard.
The clock says 1:50 in the 3 round
Paige VanZant is in open guard over Esparza
Paige VanZant tries to pass to half guard...
Carla Esparza can't prevent her opponent from passing. VanZant looks to work from half guard.
Paige VanZant is in half guard over Esparza
VanZant launches a few fake punches and tries to escape!
Carla Esparza is not able to stop Esparza ground skills and Paige VanZant moves to side mount!
Paige VanZant is in side mount over Carla Esparza
The fans are in for a real treat now. It's always fun to watch Paige VanZant work her BJJ game.
VanZant tries to move to full mount!
Esparza won't allow her to take this position easily.
Paige VanZant is in side mount over Carla Esparza
Carla Esparza launches a few punches to VanZant's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because VanZant tries to cover her face,
Paige VanZant is in side mount over Carla Esparza
Paige VanZant looks to mount Carla Esparza...
Carla Esparza takes advantage of her opponent's over commitment and traps her in full guard.
Paige VanZant is in open guard over Esparza
Paige VanZant tries to pass to half guard...
Carla Esparza can't prevent her opponent from passing. VanZant looks to work from half guard.
Paige VanZant is in half guard over Esparza
Paige VanZant tries to free her leg...
Esparza rolls on the ground and moves to side mount! Awesome maneuver!
Carla Esparza is in side mount over Paige VanZant
Paige VanZant attempts to trap Carla Esparza in her guard.
Carla Esparza keeps control and remains in side mount.
Dan Miragliotta stands the fighters up due to a lack of activity.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
The clock says 3:05 in the 3 round
VanZant decides to launch some tentative punches
Esparza launches a couple of jabs that are answered by VanZant with a stiff cross! Solid exchange!
Esparza and VanZant circle around the center of the cage.
Crisp uppercut by VanZant followed by a hard jab
Carla Esparza stumbles back.
Paige VanZant takes a few seconds to recover her breath...
Carla Esparza launches a body shot
VanZant dodges and catches her with a hard cross.
VanZant is holding Carla Esparza's right leg... She's trying to take her down.
Carla Esparza loses balance and goes to the ground.
Carla Esparza seems hurt! She stumbles backwards and she's an easy target for Paige VanZant!
Paige VanZant is in side mount over Carla Esparza
Paige VanZant looks to pass to mount...
VanZant slides her knee across and achieves the mount position! Tough spot for Carla Esparza.
The clock says 4:20 in the 3 round
Paige VanZant is in full mount over Carla Esparza
Carla Esparza tries to roll on the ground...
VanZant knows how to keep her advantage on the ground.
Paige VanZant is in full mount over Carla Esparza
Esparza is using some of her ground skills to escape from this...
Paige VanZant pushes Carla Esparza down and prevents her attempts to escape
VanZant is trying to counter now!
VanZant suddenly holds Carla Esparza's arm and tries an armbar!
Esparza can break the lock and now she is in a closed guard over Paige VanZant!
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over VanZant
Esparza tries to escape from the closed guard
Carla Esparza any adventage in the ground.
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over VanZant
Carla Esparza fakes some punches
then lands a big punch to VanZant's face!
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over VanZant
Esparza tries to escape from the closed guard
Esparza succeeds and she's now in open guard... she takes a second to breathe
The referee separates the fighters as the buzzer sounds.
I would be surprised if the judges didn't see that round for VanZant.
=========================================
Round 4
=========================================
Esparza studies her opponent looking for a hole in her defense.
VanZant is holding Carla Esparza's right leg... She's trying to take her down.
Carla Esparza loses balance and goes to the ground.
Paige VanZant is in side mount over Carla Esparza
Paige VanZant looks to mount Carla Esparza...
Carla Esparza takes advantage of her opponent's over commitment and traps her in full guard.
Paige VanZant is in closed guard over Esparza
Carla Esparza launches a few punches to VanZant's cheek from the guard.
Paige VanZant uses her head to cover the punches and presses her skull forward.
Paige VanZant is in closed guard over Esparza
Paige VanZant is looking to pass Carla Esparza's guard...
Carla Esparza has a solid guard and keeps her ankles locked.
The clock says 1:10 in the 4 round
Paige VanZant is in closed guard over Esparza
You have to give credit to the match-maker for putting on such an even fight.
Paige VanZant tries to pass Carla Esparza's guard...
Paige VanZant manages to get her leg free and moves to half guard.
Paige VanZant is in half guard over Esparza
VanZant launches a few fake punches and tries to escape!
VanZant is countered by Carla Esparza.
VanZant clumsily fails here and it's time for Carla Esparza to fight back!
Carla Esparza decides to jump inside VanZant's guard.
VanZant didn't see that coming. Esparza is in open guard over VanZant now.
Carla Esparza is in open guard over VanZant
VanZant works on the ground with her fingers over Esparza's face
She seems to have encountered the eye! What a classless move!
Dan Miragliotta saw it!
Dan Miragliotta halts the fight to give Esparza time to recover. Carla Esparza seems to be ready to fight again. The fight resumes with both fighters standing.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
Carla Esparza tries to take the fight to the ground with a one leg takedown...
VanZant is unable to remain on her feet and falls to the ground
Carla Esparza is in open guard over VanZant
VanZant tries to close her guard around Esparza
She is not able to do it
Carla Esparza is in open guard over VanZant
VanZant tries to close her guard around Esparza
She succeeds!
The clock says 2:10 in the 4 round
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over VanZant
Paige VanZant is a submission wizard. She has forgotten more BJJ than most fighters have learned.
Esparza is in closed guard... VanZant tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! She is now in full mount over Carla Esparza!
Paige VanZant is in full mount over Carla Esparza
Paige VanZant takes a deep breath as she passes her arm over Carla Esparza shoulder and pushes her arm againts the mat!
Carla Esparza breaks that americana attempt!
VanZant clumsily fails here and it's time for Carla Esparza to fight back!
Esparza measures the resilience of VanZant's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
Those hits are leaving hitches in VanZant's side.
The clock says 2:30 in the 4 round
Paige VanZant is in full mount over Carla Esparza
Esparza tries to move on the ground and escape from the full mount!
Paige VanZant doesn't want to lose her adventageous position and she struggles to mantain the full mount.
Paige VanZant is in full mount over Carla Esparza
Paige VanZant throws the leg over and rolls it over into an armbar!
Esparza breaks the lock showing some skills...
Esparza tries to get some advantage after her opponent miss move...
Carla Esparza tries to roll to her side and trap Paige VanZant in her guard...
Carla Esparza gets her hip out and moves to full guard.
Paige VanZant is in full mount over Carla Esparza
VanZant catch Carla Esparza's left arm and tries a kimura
Carla Esparza holds her own arm and struggles until she gets free
Paige VanZant is in full mount over Carla Esparza
Paige VanZant takes a deep breath as she passes her arm over Carla Esparza shoulder and pushes her left arm againts the mat!
Carla Esparza breaks that americana attempt!
Dan Miragliotta has seen enough passivity on the ground and stands up the fighters.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Mall of Asia Arena (Bay City, Philippines) are cheering for the fighters.
Paige VanZant and Esparza engage in a wild exchange of punches!
Both fighters are missing terribly.
Esparza wants to take the fight to her advantage and tries to clinch.
Esparza moves forward and holds VanZant
Both fighters are tied in a clinch.
VanZant grapple with Carla Esparza and tries a Inner leg Sweep
Carla Esparza falls hard on the mat with Paige VanZant on top of her
The clock says 3:45 in the 4 round
Paige VanZant is in half guard over Esparza
Paige VanZant tries to pass Carla Esparza's guard...
Paige VanZant passes momentarily but Carla Esparza regains half guard.
Paige VanZant is in half guard over Esparza
VanZant tries to get a side mount...
Esparza wraps her leg around Paige VanZant leg and prevents her from moving.
Paige VanZant is in half guard over Esparza
VanZant tries to get a side mount...
Esparza wraps her leg around Paige VanZant leg and prevents her from moving.
Paige VanZant is in half guard over Esparza
The fans are in for a real treat now. It's always fun to watch Paige VanZant work her BJJ game.
Paige VanZant tries to pass Carla Esparza's guard...
Carla Esparza's guard is too good and she fails to pass.
Paige VanZant is in half guard over Esparza
Carla Esparza launches a few punches to VanZant's cheek from the guard.
Those punches sure are annoying because VanZant tries to cover her face,
Paige VanZant is in half guard over Esparza
VanZant positions herself for a round of ground and pound and tries to finish the fight with some precise elbows!
Esparza's attempts to cover herself and blocks those elbows.
Paige VanZant is in half guard over Esparza
Paige VanZant tries to free her leg
Carla Esparza moves fast and both fighters exchange some weak punches while climbing to their feet.
Both fighters have climbed to their feet and they continue the fight standing. The people who are watching this in Mall of Asia Arena (Bay City, Philippines) are cheering for the fighters.
VanZant grabs her opponent by the waist and tries to take the fight to the ground
Esparza struggles... Paige VanZant is unable to take her down
VanZant misses a step and Carla Esparza sees an opportunity to counter her!
Solid shot from Carla Esparza to the body.
VanZant didn't like that.
Dan Miragliotta tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
The round is for Esparza, who walks calmly to her corner.
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Round 5
=========================================
VanZant is swinging for the fences!
A hit that almost breaks Esparza's jaw!
VanZant is holding Carla Esparza's left leg... She's trying to take her down.
Carla Esparza loses balance and goes to the ground.
Paige VanZant is in side mount over Carla Esparza
VanZant has a high cardio that helps her make great performances.
VanZant tries to move to full mount!
Esparza won't allow her to take this position easily.
Paige VanZant is in side mount over Carla Esparza
VanZant tries to move to full mount!
Nice move. She is in full mount now.
The clock says 0:50 in the 5 round
Paige VanZant is in full mount over Carla Esparza
Paige VanZant isolates Carla Esparza's arm and neck looking for an arm triangle
That Arm Triangle looks tight...
You can see the pain reflected in Esparza's eyes...
Carla Esparza is able to relieve the pressure on her neck and slip out of the hold.
Paige VanZant is in full mount over Carla Esparza
Carla Esparza tries to roll to her side and trap Paige VanZant in her guard...
Paige VanZant keeps good control and remains in full mount.
Paige VanZant is in full mount over Carla Esparza
Esparza launches a few weak punches
Those punches are hitting VanZant's ribs.
Paige VanZant is in full mount over Carla Esparza
Paige VanZant hovers above Esparza
Good punches to Esparza's body.
The clock says 1:30 in the 5 round
Paige VanZant is in full mount over Carla Esparza
VanZant suddenly holds Carla Esparza's arm and tries an armbar!
Esparza can break the lock and now she is in a closed guard over Paige VanZant!
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over VanZant
Esparza is in closed guard... VanZant tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! She is now in full mount over Carla Esparza!
Paige VanZant is in full mount over Carla Esparza
Paige VanZant sits high on Carla Esparza's chest and pulls her leg underneath Esparza's head. There's the triangle attempt!
That Triangle from Mount from Paige VanZant appears to be unbreakable
You can see the pain reflected in Esparza's eyes...
Esparza's Nose is beginning to swell
VanZant is locking that Triangle from Mount...
Crippling lock!
Esparza tries to roll out. She's too quick for Paige VanZant and manages to slip out! That was a risky move by VanZant and it cost her top position.
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over VanZant
Esparza is in closed guard... VanZant tries to roll on the ground!
Carla Esparza uses her leg to keep her position on the ground
VanZant clumsily fails here and it's time for Carla Esparza to fight back!
Carla Esparza aggressively and repeatedly punches VanZant.
Good job by VanZant blocking and slipping the blows.
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over VanZant
Esparza is in closed guard... VanZant tries to roll on the ground!
Carla Esparza uses her leg to keep her position on the ground
Paige VanZant gets sloppy and Carla Esparza tries to take advantage...
Carla Esparza fakes some punches
VanZant ties her up.
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over VanZant
Esparza tries to stand up!
VanZant doesn't allow her!
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over VanZant
Esparza is in closed guard... VanZant tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! She is now in full mount over Carla Esparza!
Paige VanZant is in full mount over Carla Esparza
Esparza tries to move on the ground and escape from the full mount!
Paige VanZant doesn't want to lose her adventageous position and she struggles to mantain the full mount.
Dan Miragliotta has seen enough passivity on the ground and stands up the fighters.
Both fighters continue the fight on their feet. You can hear how the people agree with that decision.
The clock says 2:50 in the 5 round
The two exchange wildly
VanZant is connecting with a few punches
Esparza fakes a punch and shoots a takedown!
Paige VanZant didn't see it coming and has been put on the ground!
Carla Esparza is in open guard over VanZant
VanZant tries to close her guard around Esparza
She succeeds!
Carla Esparza is in closed guard over VanZant
Esparza is in closed guard... VanZant tries to roll on the ground!
Nice reversal! She is now in full mount over Carla Esparza!
Paige VanZant is in full mount over Carla Esparza
Paige VanZant throws the leg over and rolls it over into an armbar!
That Armbar looks tight...
Esparza breaks the lock showing some skills...
Paige VanZant is in full mount over Carla Esparza
Paige VanZant takes a deep breath as she passes her arm over Carla Esparza shoulder and pushes her arm againts the mat!
Carla Esparza breaks that americana attempt!
Paige VanZant is in full mount over Carla Esparza
Esparza measures the resilience of VanZant's ribs with a couple of big punches from guard.
VanZant blocks the hits as she works on the ground.
Paige VanZant is in full mount over Carla Esparza
Paige VanZant tries to finish the fight with an armbar from the top
Punishing hold!
Esparza's arm is getting wrenched, it appears to be injured
That armbar from Paige VanZant appears to be unbreakable
Punishing hold!
That armbar looks tight...
Esparza is smart enough to avoid the submission attempt
Paige VanZant is in full mount over Carla Esparza
VanZant catch Carla Esparza's left arm and tries a kimura
Punishing hold!
Punishing hold!
Carla Esparza holds her own arm and struggles until she gets free
Paige VanZant is in full mount over Carla Esparza
Esparza tries to stand up!
VanZant doesn't allow her!
Paige VanZant is in full mount over Carla Esparza
Paige VanZant throws the leg over and rolls it over into an armbar!
Esparza breaks the lock showing some skills...
Dan Miragliotta tells the fighters to go to their corners as the round is over.
This round is clearly for Paige VanZant.
Winner is Paige VanZant by Majority decision
Statistics: Paige VanZant
Punches 14/21 (67%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 4/4 (100%)
Takedowns 8/9 (89%)
GnP strikes 3/10 (30%)
Submissions 16/16 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 1173 s
Statistics: Carla Esparza
Punches 5/15 (33%)
Kicks 0/0 (0%)
Clinch strikes 0/0 (0%)
Takedowns 4/5 (80%)
GnP strikes 33/60 (55%)
Submissions 2/2 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)
Time on the ground 1173 s
Good fight. Both are legit.
Have 9 points in celebration of this monumental achievement!