Gabriella Fernandes derails Wang Cong with 2nd round submission at UFC Macau
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In a stunning upset at UFC Macau, Gabriella Fernandes shocked the MMA world by submitting the heavily favored Wang Cong in the second round of their flyweight bout. The Brazilian underdog, who entered the fight as a 6-to-1 longshot, overcame a difficult first round to secure a dramatic victory that has sent ripples through the division.
HUGE upset at #UFCMacau!
Gabriella Fernandes, the biggest betting underdog on the card, shocked the crowd by dropping decorated kickboxer Wang Cong twice before securing a slick submission!
That's two in a row for the 31-year-old, who's proving she's one to watch in the… pic.twitter.com/aciwKHd9KD
— Women’s MMA Rankings (@WMMARankings) November 23, 2024
The Galaxy Arena in Macau witnessed an extraordinary turn of events as Fernandes, nicknamed “Gabi,” defied the odds and the expectations of pundits and fans alike. Wang Cong, an undefeated prospect with a kickboxing victory over current UFC flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko on her resume, was expected to continue her meteoric rise in the UFC.
The fight began with Wang asserting her dominance, showcasing the striking prowess that had made her such a feared opponent. The Chinese fighter’s diverse attack kept Fernandes on the defensive, picking away at her head and body with precision strikes. Fernandes struggled to find answers, managing only a brief clinch as Wang controlled the pace and distance of the fight.
As the second round commenced, it seemed that Wang was set to cruise to another victory. She continued to grow in confidence, building on her successful first round. However, MMA is a sport where fortunes can change in the blink of an eye, and Fernandes was about to prove this axiom true in spectacular fashion.
The pivotal moment came when Wang made a critical error in judgment. After tossing Fernandes into the fence, she opted to stay in the pocket and trade punches as the Brazilian regained her footing. This decision would prove costly. In a lightning-fast exchange, Fernandes landed a thunderous right hand that sent Wang crashing to the canvas.
With her opponent stunned, Fernandes wasted no time in capitalizing on the opportunity. She pounced on the fallen Wang, quickly taking her back in a display of grappling acumen that belied her previous struggles in the fight. Despite Wang’s valiant efforts to defend, her limited MMA experience just six fights prior to this boutn left her ill-equipped to fend off the submission attempt.
Fernandes locked in a tight rear-naked choke, and although Wang refused to tap, showing the heart of a true warrior, the Brazilian’s grip proved too much. The referee was forced to intervene at 3:49 of the second round as Wang lost consciousness, securing a technical submission victory for Fernandes.
A Career-Defining Victory
This win marks a significant turning point in Fernandes’ UFC career. After starting her tenure in the promotion with two consecutive losses, she has now strung together back-to-back victories. Her previous win came against Carli Judice earlier in the year, but this upset over Wang Cong elevates her status in the division considerably.
Gabriella Fernandes shocks the world at #UFCMacau with an RNC in the second round! pic.twitter.com/2yatkouFSG
— UFC (@ufc) November 23, 2024
For Wang, this loss serves as a harsh reminder of the unpredictable nature of MMA. Despite her impressive kickboxing credentials and her knockout victory over Victoria Leonardo in her UFC debut, the Chinese prospect now faces her first setback in the sport. How she rebounds from this defeat will be crucial for her future in the competitive flyweight division.
Fernandes’ victory not only boosts her own stock but also shakes up the flyweight rankings. Wang Cong was seen as a potential fast-track contender for the title, given her previous victory over Shevchenko in kickboxing. This loss will likely slow her ascent and force her to reassess her approach to MMA.
Meanwhile, Fernandes has positioned herself as a dark horse in the division. Her ability to overcome adversity and finish a highly-touted opponent will undoubtedly earn her bigger fights in the future. The UFC matchmakers will be keen to see if this performance was a flash in the pan or the emergence of a legitimate contender.
As the dust settles on UFC Macau, Gabriella Fernandes’ name will be on everyone’s lips. The flyweight division has been put on notice, Gabriella Fernandes is not to be underestimated. As she basks in the glow of her greatest professional triumph to date, the rest of the 125-pound weight class will be watching closely to see what this Brazilian dark horse does next.
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