LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 19: (L-R) Opponents Miranda Maverick and Dione Barbosa of Brazil face off during the UFC Fight Night weigh-ins at UFC APEX on July 19, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Miranda Maverick was originally scheduled to face Rose Namajunas in the main event of last week’s UFC Denver, but after losing to Tracy Cortez, she will instead face Dion Barbosa at UFC Las Vegas 94 on Saturday.
Maverick, who recently launched High Stakes Honey, was hoping to have a sweet evening with a preliminary card fight in Apex.
The first round started with Maverick’s usual feints and pressure, but Barbosa came out strong, barely keeping his opponent at bay with his strikes. Both fighters traded leg kicks throughout the round. Barbosa was more effective with his punches, but Maverick had the chance to counter.
Maverick used his hands on top, but all ended with kicks to the calf. At one point, they collided and went to the ground. Barbosa threatened a leg lock, but Maverick neutralized it and got on top. The round ended with Maverick on top.
In the second round, Maverick again attempted a kick to the calf, but Barbosa continued to land powerful punches. They clinched, and Barbosa pushed Maverick against the fence, but Maverick tried to push off the cage with underhooks and force, but Barbosa threw him to the ground.
Maverick quickly got up and clinched against the fence, where Barbosa landed a nice spinning elbow on her. Maverick quickly went for a takedown, but Barbosa grabbed a guillotine. Maverick pressed her against the fence and poked her head in for the takedown. The round ended with Maverick aggressively pushing Barbosa against the fence and landing punches to the body.
In the third round, Barbosa came out aggressively, knowing he needed the finish, and challenged Maverick, who took advantage of Barbosa’s pressure to score a single-leg takedown and ultimately gain the upper hand.
Barbosa attempted a submission attempt from his back, but Maverick easily fended it off. Maverick remained aggressive in top position until the end of the round, and Barbosa was unable to find a submission to end the fight.
Official result: Miranda Maverick defeats Dion Barbosa via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
