Juliet Ukah stops the takedowns, lands strong flurry for first-round finish

Despite stumbling into her first fight by accident, and facing pressure from loved ones to stop fighting, it’s safe to say Juliet Ukah has found a home for herself in the sport of MMA. Ukah enters tonight with a 7-0 record. Ukah, a striking specialist who serves as a member of the Nigeria Police Force, made her PFL debut in July, scoring a decision over Ceileigh Niedermayr.

Maryam Gaber was initially a boxer before moving into MMA, at one time becoming Egyptian National Boxing Champion. After a 5-1-1 boxing record, she enters tonight 3-0 in MMA, including one KO and one submission win. Gaber makes her PFL debut tonight after her last fight was in April 2023, defeating Shahd Ahmed.

Who will win this women’s strawweight bout?

Round 1

The two meet in the center. Low kick by Ukah. Strong inside leg kick by Ukah. Another leg kick by Ukah. Gaber flashes the left. Left jab by Ukah. Low kick by Ukah. Another left hand by Ukah. Gaber goes for a takedown, but Ukah stuffs it. Gaber presses Ukah against the fence now, while Ukah has her arms around her. Gaber warned twice for getting her hands in the fence. Ukah reverses the position, and we quickly get a separation.

Strong right hand by Ukah. Gaber goes for another takedown and is stuffed again. Low kick by Ukah. Ukah cutting off the SmartCage. Strong right hand by Ukah. Strong combination, and Gaber is covering up! No defense other than that from Gaber, and the referee steps in!

Juliet Ukah with the first-round finish here in Benin!

OFFICIAL RESULT

Juliet Ukah def. Maryam Gaber via first-round TKO (punches, 3:12)