Karine Silva and Vivian Araujo at UFC 309 ceremonial weigh-in Credit: Jake Noecker/Cageside Press
Flyweight Karine Silva finished 17 of 18 and proved to be a real threat at 125 pounds, stepping up against Vivian Araujo at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Silva finished 11th in his weight class, while fellow Brazilian Araujo finished 9th in his weight class.
“Killer” Silva had an intense look on his face and looked like he was going to jump out of the corner as the match started. She tried to push Araujo down, but Araujo fought back and moved away from Silva’s right hand. Silva landed a ton of kicks and looked like he was going to catch up, but Araujo trotted back out of range. Silva threw a front kick, but it missed as his opponent retreated.
Late in the round, Silva landed several clubbing right hands that connected and ripped, sending Araujo reeling. She never went down, but broke a fast-break retreat that clearly hurt after a competitive round.
Araujo suffered a nosebleed early in the second game and was forced to breathe through his mouth. Silva let go of Araujo and began cornering his opponent against the fence. A takedown follows and Silva is on top in guard. With just over two minutes left, Silva had time to do his job, and that was with Araujo locking him in an armbar. After Araujo got angry, Silva managed to switch sides and escape the submission. Silva then attempted a Dulce choke from below, but Araujo slipped out.
The fight was decided just 30 seconds into the final frame, with Karine Silva attempting a takedown but ending up on her back. Araujo was in side control, but dropped back and backed Silva. Silva continued to push forward from there, occasionally landing multiple front kicks that missed, before Araujo threw him away with one. In close and close rounds, Silva looked weakened. Araujo circled and mixed in low kicks. When Silva tried to close the distance, Araujo effectively forced her to his knees. An exhausted Silva tried for another takedown, but was unable to knock Araujo down. Instead, Araujo made a sloppy throw just before the final horn.
Official result: Vivian Araujo def. Karine Silva unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
