UFC Fight Night 121 results: Jessica Rose-Clark def. Bec Rawlings via another split decision

Bec Rawlings and Jessica Rose-Clark fought each other at catchweight (128 lbs) tonight (Sat., Nov. 18, 2017) at UFC Fight Night 121 mixed martial arts (MMA) event from inside Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia, broadcast live on FOX Sports 1.

They came out fast and aggressive, each fighter looking to throw hands. Dan Hardy predicted as soon as the fight began that this would be a “gunfight”, and it certainly seemed that way. Rose-Clark had a kick caught and Rawlings took her down to the mat. Rawlings postured up and landed a series of hard left hands. As she passed guard, she lost position and Rose-Clark reversed her to the cage floor. Rose-Clark got into half guard and held Rawlings down. She eventually stood back up and let Rawlings up. They immediately got violent, moving into the pocket and exchanging with Rose-Clark. Rose-Clark landed a high kick of her own and a nice overhand. Rawlings moved in again with a five-punch combination. Rose-Clark was countering nicely, and hit a good low kick. They traded hooks before the round ended.

They opened the second round with Rawlings looking to cut off the cage. They clinched against the cage, changing positions, fighting for underhooks. They separated, and Rose-Clark connected on a beautiful stepping combination and drove through, taking Rawlings down and looking for an arm-triangle from half guard. They stayed there for a long time, until eventually Rose-Clark advanced to a half-mount half back event. Rose-Clark hit a nasty elbow as she turned the position into full mount. She slapped Rawlings on the ear, then landed elbows as the round ended.

Rose-Clark hit a nice combination to start the second round, but Rawlings stayed in her face, hitting nice counter hooks. Jessica ate a combination, then countered. They traded kicks, and Rose-Clark knocking Rawlings off balance a little bit. Both fighters were winging in the pocket. Rawlings clipped Rose-Clark with a hook, and went after her, hitting her with a combination. They clinched against the cage. Rawlings threw Rose-Clark to the canvas. Rose-Clark worked her way back up, then took Rawlings down and postured, landing hard hooks and elbows to end the fight.

The result was the third straight split decision in a row, going in favor of Jessica Rose-Clark.

Official result: Jessica Rose-Clark def. Bec Rawlings via split decision (29-28x2, 28-29)

For complete Fight Night 121 results, including play-by-play, click here