Saray Orozco is a former strawweight champion in her native Mexico and has competed on various major stages in the sport. Orozco has eight wins to her name but is still seeking her first PFL victory, entering tonight with an 0-2 record in the SmartCage. Orozco comes into tonight off a split decision loss against Sumiko Inaba a year ago.
Ilara Joanne is a product of the Pitbull Brothers gym and had a 3-4 stint with Bellator. The striking specialist, who has seven finishes to her name, competed in last year’s regular season, losing to Taila Santos and defeating Shanna Young. Joanne fought in the First Round of the Women’s Flyweight Tournament in April, losing to Liz Carmouche.
Which of these two will be victorious in this women’s 125-pound showcase?
Round 1
Both women flash their jabs. Joanne with a leg kick. A round kick from Orozco is blocked. Solid combination from Joanne. Another combination from Joanne. Orozco with a low kick. Joanne with a low kick. Another combination from Joanne. Joanne catches a kick and lands another combination. Orozco tries to tie her up, but Joanne lands a knee and a quick hook. Orozco with a right hand. Solid sidestep and a right hand from Joanne, followed by a one-two. Low kick from Joanne. Left hand from Joanne. Orozco misses a right hand. Low kicks from Joanne to answer one of Orozco’s. One-two from Joanne. Inside hooks from Joanne. One-two from Orozco, but Joanne backs up.
One-two from Joanne. A high kick from Orozco is blocked. Right hand from Joanne, followed by a body kick. Left hands from Joanne. Another left. Front kick from Orozco is blocked. A couple of strong left hands from Joanne. Low kick from Joanne. Joanne lands well even when moving backward. Orozco tries to push Joanne into the fence and does so, but not before Joanne lands a couple of knees. Joanne with a trip, scoring a takedown with about 30 seconds to go. The two landing left hands. That’s where the round ends.
Round 2
The two trade to start things here. Low kick from Orozco. Joanne with a pair of left hands. A combination from Joanne. Orozco lands one of her own, including a solid left hook. Low kick from Joanne. Left hand from Joanne. Front kick to the midsection by Joanne. Joanne grabs a leg and scores a takedown. Orozco brings herself over to the fence, but Joanne is keeping her down. Orozco uses the SmartCage barrier to stand back up, but Joanne is still pressing her in a clinch. Joanne looks to take Orozco’s back while standing. Elbows to the head, thrown backwards, by Orozco.
Joanne scores a takedown and takes the back fully. Joanne tries to attack the neck while Orozco fights the hands. Joanne tries to get hooks in, but it’s a little hard when they’re so close to the fence. Orozco has the hands of Joanne locked down. Joanne frees one and starts to land shots to the head. Joanne tries again, but Orozco blocks the attempt again. Joanne lands more left hands and threatens the neck, staying in control until the bell.
Round 3
Low kick from Joanne. Low kick from Orozco. Body kick from Joanne. And another. Orozco misses a one-two. Left hand from Joanne. The pace has slowed down here. One-two from Joanne. Body kick from Orozco. Left hand from Joanne and a low kick from Orozco. Left hand from Orozco. Combination from Orozco. Low kick from Orozco. Joanne catches a kick and dumps Orozco, getting into half-guard. That’s Joanne’s fourth takedown of this fight. Joanne looks for an arm triangle but doesn’t get it. Figure-four by Joanne.
Full guard now from Orozco. Orozco lands some small shots to the head. Joanne manages to circle her hips and keep Orozco’s transition attempts limited. Joanne is doing her best to work. Joanne lands right hands to the body, her head pressed to Orozco’s chest. Joanne misses a hammerfist attempt. Small shots from both women. Joanne keeps Orozco flat on the mat. Small elbow from Joanne to the head.
Dominant showing from Joanne, finishing on top in all three rounds.
OFFICIAL RESULT
Ilara Joanne def. Saray Orozco via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
