FILE–Ketlen Vieira. Codie McLachlan/Getty Images/AFP
Brazilian Ketlen Vieira stunned former champion Holly Holm in a controversial split decision in their women’s bantamweight bout in the main event of UFC Fight Night on Saturday night.
The cards went 48-47 across the board, two for Vieira and one for Holm.
However, Holm landed more strikes (188-122) and significant strikes (96-85), and was credited with 10:04 in control time. Holm also scored a knockdown with a sidekick in the fourth round.
“I felt (Vieira) had Round 2, but at the end of the fight, I truly felt in my heart that I had won the fight,” Holm said afterward. “So, I’m disappointed. … I really don’t give her three rounds.”
Vieira nearly submitted Holm with a standing rear-naked choke in the second round.