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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Matt Erickson

Cory McKenna glad to show some new wrinkles in 15-minute win at UFC Fight Night 216

LAS VEGAS – Cory McKenna beat Cheyanne Vlismas with a unanimous decision Saturday to close out the preliminary card at UFC Fight Night 216 in Las Vegas.

Take a look inside the fight with McKenna, who won for the second straight time.

Cory McKenna vs. Cheyanne Vlismas

Result: Cory McKenna def. Cheyanne Vlismas via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Updated records: McKenna (8-2 MMA, 3-1 UFC), Vlismas (7-3 MMA, 2-2 UFC)
Key stat: McKenna outlanded Vlismas 103-66 and hit a pair of takedowns.

McKenna on the fight's key moment

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 17: (L-R) Cory McKenna of Wales battles Cheyanne Vlismas in a strawweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on December 17, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

“I feel like more or less, it was what I expected. Perhaps I expected a little more aggression out of her, but I feel like she was very respectful of my grappling. … It went pretty much how I expected. She’s a very strong girl and made it difficult for the takedown.”

McKenna on showing new wrinkles

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 17: rl in a strawweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on December 17, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

“I would’ve liked to get the finish, but I feel like I showed some stuff I haven’t necessarily been able to show before. Obviously, everyone (thinks of me) as a grappler, and I feel like I got more of an opportunity to show off some striking and show everyone I’m a bit more well-rounded than I get credit for.”

McKenna on what she wants next

“I’d like to stay busy. I got three fights this year, and that was great – that’s always been my goal, to get three fights a year. I think this is the first year I’ve actually been able to do that. I’d like to continue the momentum and see where it takes me.”

To hear more from McKenna, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 263.

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