Veronica Hardy and Eduarda Moura, UFC 309 ceremonial weigh-in Credit: Jake Noecker/Cageside Press
Veronica Hardy, who has won three straight with a record of 4-1 in her past five fights, was looking to move up the rankings when she takes on Eduarda Moura at UFC 309 on Saturday.
The preliminary card for the flyweight bout began at New York City’s famous Madison Square Garden.
Notably, Eduarda Moura has dropped weight in back-to-back strawweight fights, most recently moving up to 125 pounds following a split decision loss to Dennis Gomez.
Moura took the center early, forcing Hardy to the outside, and when they were together, it was Eduarda Moura who connected with a slightly mustard right hand. Hardy was a dwarf compared to Maura’s size, and Maura was a head taller than Hardy and appeared to be considerably longer. Throughout the first half of the round, Hardy was unable to find a way inside. The second half of the round was similar, but Hardy tried to work with some kicks. But it was Moura who ended the first five minutes with a takedown.
Between rounds, Hardy’s husband, UFC veteran Dan Hardy, emphasized that she is a fast fighter. It didn’t matter when Moura scored another takedown early on. Hardy returned to a three-point stance and landed several knees to the thigh from Moura, who continued to control the back. She drags Hardy down and hooks him. Hardy would survive, but ended up on his back and Moura controlled the action. Hardy was aggressive at times and threatened with upkicks, but Moura was in the driver’s seat for the majority of the round.
In the third round, Hardy almost certainly needed a finish. That was easier said than done. Hardy had to watch out for Moura’s right hand, and after depleting his strength to become a strawweight, Moura appeared to have much more left in the tank as a 125-footer. Time was running out for Hardy. She found a place for her sharp leg kicks, but overall she couldn’t solve Eduarda Moura’s puzzles, especially the size.
Official result: Eduarda Moura def. Veronica Hardy unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
