LAS VEGAS – Julia Avila beat Pannie Kianzad with a unanimous decision Saturday night to open the preliminary card at UFC 239 in Las Vegas.
Take a look inside the fight with Avila, who won in her UFC debut.
Result: Julia Avila def. Pannie Kianzad via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-26)
Updated records: Avila (7-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC), Kianzad (11-5 MMA, 0-2 UFC)
Key stat: Avila’s pre-UFC resume includes wins over current UFC fighters Marion Reneau and former flyweight champion Nicco Montano.
Avila on the fight’s key moment
“I just knew we were going to beat the hell out of each other. I knew this one was going to be the toughest of my career because she’s a force to be reckoned with.”
Avila on Kianzad’s as an opponent
“I’m honored that not only did she take this on short notice, but she was professional about it. She was a stud all the way.”
Avila on what she wants next
“It feels great to show that I can go the distance and I’m not just a knockout artist. I’m well-versed both standing up and on the ground. Next, I’ll take anyone that God puts in front of me.”
To hear more from Avila, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.
For complete coverage of UFC 239, check out the UFC results.
