Karine Silva got a buzzer-beater finish with a first-round submission that put Poliana Botelho away at UFC Vegas 56.
Following a knockdown on the feet, Silva saw an opening to wrap up a D’arce choke, but time was running out as she locked up her hold. Botelho, however, was forced to give Silva the submission.
The official stoppage came at 4:55 in the first round.
” I was happy before, but now it’s so much better,” Silva stated afterward. Thank God for the opportunity. It’s a culmination of all the work my team had.”
The flyweights were able to throw a lot more kicks during the foot exchanges, but Silva and Botelho didn’t really connect with each other much in the first round. Silva was clearly the stronger fighter but Silva’s best punch came when she leapt forward and landed a massive right hand which smashed into Botelho.
Silva utilized the forward momentum and took Botelho down to the floor. She began punching until she saw an opportunity to use her grappling skills.
A split second later, Silva connected her arms and wrapped up a D’arce choke submission as she rolled to her side trying to lock up the finish. Silva tightened her grip as the round approached its end. Botelho was forced to tap out because Silva refused to let go.
It was an impressive performance by Silva. She has won six consecutive fights, with her win on The Contender Series , and now she is in the first round to start her UFC career.
