UFC Dublin: Aisling Daly v Ericka Almeida

Aisling Daly v Ericka Almeida

The crowd singing along to Zombie as Ais walks out was a special moment. Hottest the crowd has been so far. Rival Irish and Brazilian flags draped over each fighters corner only enhances the cauldron like atmosphere. Crazy CRAZY reception for Ais.

Round 1 – never felt an atmosphere like this. They come out SWINGING. Crazy start and they’re on the cage. Erika lands a nice elbow and is winning the positional fight against the cage. Nice knees from Thai clinch for Erika. Crowd singing Fields of Athenry!!!!!!! Ais now winning wall battle. Ais has had her pinned to cage for good while. Referee dare not separate them with this crowd! He really should though… Huge throw from Ais to top! Ais postured up and landing big. Ais ends round on top. 10-9 Ais – the takedown was the major happening of the round.

Round 2 – wild start again. Ais has Erika pinned to cage. Ais gets the trip and secures top in a scramble. Ais chasing an arm triangle. Needs to clear half guard. Ais bails and is throwing heavy leather. Erika has a triangle out of nowhere!! Looks tight but Erika bails for top position. Erika in side control. Beautiful work. Erika takes the back beautifully. Ais throwing punches to escape. Erika has full back control and 40 seconds. Ais survives but it’s one round a piece. 10-9 Erika – if you have the back for that long you win the round. It’s clear whoever gets on top will win the round. All to play for

Round 3 – Ais hypes the crowd like a star. And she starts the round like a berserker. Ais goes for the judo throw but Erika wants the back. Tense stuff against the cage. This throw is crucial. Ais gets it! Ais postured up on top elbowing the legs. Erika far too content to lie on her back. Ais is just punching the legs. Strange. Both girls evidently exhausted. Ais continuing to punch the shins standing. Ridiculous strategy from Erika who is literally throwing the fight away with every lazy punch thrown from bottom. Few up kicks for Erika. The referee is not standing them up because Ais is Irish. There can’t be another explanation. Ais flurries late with solid shots. Crowd explodes. Buzzer goes. 10-9 Ais

Erika literally did nothing all round I score it 29-28 for Ais. The judges who scored it 30-27 and 29-27 should never judge again. Ais Daly def. Ericka Almeida by unanimous decision