The last time Amanda Nunes and Germaine de Randamie fought inside the Octagon, the fight ended with GDR unable to defend the ground and pound in the first round. But this time, Amanda had difficulties not only submitting GDR but also to put her away when she had multiple opportunities.
Amanda had to dig deep inside to try and fend off GDR right from the start and rely on her wrestling to score take downs. GDR showed a much improved ground game despite being taken down every time. She even managed to get Amanda into a triangle choke that could have ended the title reign if GDR had an elite level BJJ.
In the first round, Amanda kick started the fight on a high note with a powerful right hand that blasted GDR in the opening exchange. She constantly attacked GDR with her takedowns and submission attempts. It looked like the fight could have ended late in the first round, but GDR showed resilience and survived the onslaught.
GDR came out firing in the second round, popped Amanda her right hands sending her to the back peddle. GDR’s confidence continued to grow with her success on the feet. Out of no where, she unleashed a question mark kick followed by a barrage of knees that put Amanda in a bad spot. Amanda switched to takedowns having failed to fend off GDR. With every take down Amanda was chipping away at her with punches and elbows scoring up points on the judges scorecard.
This fight revealed how GDR has improved leaps and bounds in her ground game having pushed the champion to full five rounds. Amanda displayed signs of slowing down in the later rounds and if any of the opponent could out grapple her & control her ground game then the outcome could be a surprising one.
The champ changing levels! ⬇️
🏆 @Amanda_Leoa #UFC245 pic.twitter.com/RsS7zILJ8K
— UFC (@ufc) December 15, 2019
OH!
GDR catching the champ with a big kick! @IronLadyMMA #UFC245 pic.twitter.com/OqeAQHZDG1
— UFC (@ufc) December 15, 2019
CHAMPIONSHIP ROUNDS. 🏆@Amanda_Leoa and @IronLadyMMA leaving it all in the Octagon! #UFC245 pic.twitter.com/6XL6AnAJES
— UFC (@ufc) December 15, 2019
THIS close! 😳
GDR almost catching the champ in a submission here in R4! #UFC245 pic.twitter.com/JMROb7ZSKg
— UFC (@ufc) December 15, 2019
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