Most of the attention going into the UFC on ESPN+ 31 co-main event between Joanne Calderwood and Jennifer Maia centered on the notion that this was Calderwood’s chance to put an exclamation mark on her status as a title challenger. Instead, it was Maia (18-6-1 MMA, 3-2 UFC) who made her statement as a force to be reckoned with in the women’s flyweight division Saturday night at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Maia submitted Calderwood (14-5 MMA, 5-5 UFC) with a textbook armbar at the 4:29 mark of the opening round as the Brazilian won for the third time in her past four fight. “I’m very happy, and I’m getting better every time out,” Maia said through an interpreter. “I think that I’m getting ready for the title.” Related Twitter reacts to Jennifer Maia's submission of Joanne Calderwood at UFC on ESPN+ 31 Trevin Giles faints prior to walkout; UFC on ESPN+ 31 bout with Kevin Holland canceled Chris Gutierrez, Cody Durden make history in unanimous draw at UFC on ESPN+31 Maia quite simply had her way with her boxing, flinging punches in bunches, which found the mark early and often. Calderwood, who took the fight on short notice she’d secured a title shot before, managed to slow down the attack with successful kicks
Go here to see the original: