Fighters from around the globe dream of the day they’ll step into the UFC octagon for the first time. For two athletes, Saturday’s UFC 239 marked that special moment in their career.
Check out this week’s rookie report to see what kind of first impression those fighters made on the sport’s biggest stage from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
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Julia Avila
Division: Women’s bantamweight
Result: Julia Avila def. Pannie Kianzad via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-26)
Record: (7-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC)
Grade: B+
With a nickname like “Raging Panda” already pegged, Julia Avila has some real upside in terms of marketing potential. Of course, victories have to come along with swagger. Avila got that done at UFC 239.
Facing a late replacement in Pannie Kianzad, Avila showed a clear desire to stand and bang, happily standing in the pocket and firing big punches. Kianzad looked to be more focused on the grappling side of the game, and Avila showed her ability in the clinch, staying upright and battling off the cage throughout the 15-minute contest despite her opponent trying to make it a grinding affair. Avila’s short elbows and big knees inside prove the perfect complement to her takedown defense.
On the feet, Avila’s aggressive striking did see her face a few big counter shots along the way. She’ll want to shore up the head movement and defensive tactics needed for success at the highest level as she progresses up the ranks. But her forward movement earned the approval of the Las Vegas crowd and nearly won her the fight when a big shot sent Kianzad to the floor in the final round.
Avila also impressed on the mic, using her first post-fight interview with Joe Rogan to give attention to the “real fighters” of the world, like single moms and those battling cancer. Overall, Avila has a magnetic personality and a fan-friendly fighting style, two ingredients that are necessary for UFC success.
Nohelin Hernandez
Division: Bantamweight
Result: Marlon Vera def. Nohelin Hernandez via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 3:25
Record: (10-3 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
Grade: B+
Nohelin Hernandez stepped into the octagon for the first time on just a week’s notice, and he did so against a dangerous Marlon Vera, who was making his 12th UFC appearance. If he was overwhelmed by the occasion, it certainly didn’t show.
Hernandez has a bit of professional boxing experience, and the skills he boasts with his hands were evident during the exchanges on the feet. But perhaps even more impressively, Hernandez showed his resiliency on the floor, as well. In difficult spots early, Hernandez refused to go away easy, showing sound defense and impressive will.
In the second round, Hernandez actually took the fight to the floor and was racking up points with some impressive top work before Vera scrambled up and landed a big knee that he turned into a takedown and, ultimately, a fight-ending rear-naked choke. But make no mistake – Vera had to battle through some adversity to get the result.
Hernandez may have been a late-notice call-up, but with his performance on Saturday, he proved that he is deserving of a spot on the roster.
For complete coverage of UFC 239, check out the UFC Results section of the site.
