UFC 209 results: Cynthia Calvillo chokes out Amanda Cooper in impressive Octagon debut

Women’s Strawweight up-and-comers Cynthia Calvillo and Amanda Cooper benefited the most from the cancelation of the co-main event between Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Tony Ferguson as their 115-pound showdown was promoted to the pay-per-view (PPV) main card this evening (Sat., March 4, 2017) inside T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Calvillo, making her Octagon debut, came out of her corner juking and jiving as Cooper tried to line her up for a shot. Calvillo rushed in with a right hand, which she followed up with a low kick that knocked Cooper off balance. Cooper fired a kick, but Calvillo caught it and took the fight to the mat where the two ladies scrambled for position. Calvillo angled for an Anaconda choke, forcing Cooper to roll for an escape. Calvillo lost the submission in the scramble, but was able to transition to back mount, where she looked to slide in a rear-naked choke. Eventually, Calvillo was able to get a stranglehold as Cooper struggled to peel off her top hand. Cooper rolled to her belly, but Calvillo kept maneuvering for the finish and she was able to get it, flatting Cooper on her belly and choking her from behind to compel a tap.

What a great first impression for Calvillo, who not only looked impressive in her promotional debut, but kept her perfect mixed martial arts (MMA) record intact (4-0) to put the division on notice that there is a new threat in town.

For complete results from UFC 209: “Woodley vs. Thompson 2,” including play-by-play updates, click here and here.