UFC fighter Jamey-Lyn Horth Wessels narrowly lost her fight to American pocket rocket Miranda Maverick on Saturday, Dec. 14.
Maverick might have been the favourite to win the bout, but Horth Wessels didn’t make it easy for her, only narrowly taking the win with all three judges scoring the fight 29-28.
Held in Tampa, Florida, the two flyweights spent an equal amount of time on the fence and the canvas, each taking turns dominating the fight and looking for a takedown.
With an extra 3.5 inches of height, Horth Wessels made sure to use every bit of fuel in the tank and reminded everyone why she deserved the card so soon after her last fight a mere six weeks ago.
Round 1
The first round saw the American land kicks to the Canadian’s legs before attempting a takedown against Horth Wessels.
She spent a good portion of the time trying to get the Squamish-beloved fighter onto the mat, and only succeeded once but it was short lived and Horth Wessels was back on her feet as the round ended.
During the fight, Horth Wessels was given a warning for an illegal elbow.
Round 2
Maverick led the charge in the beginning again, wasting no time pushing the Canadian against the fence into the same position as when the previous round ended.
This time, Horth Wessels was able to defend the attempted takedowns and the two traded dominating positions on the mat.
Round 3
Both fighters traded a few punches and kicks in the beginning of the round.
Maverick was able to get Horth Wessels down, but an ankle lock proved to be the winning attack, and the Canadian was back on her feet with 30 seconds left.
The two traded blows, but it was Maverick who came out on top in a unanimous decision
Pre-fight
Horth Wessels agreed to take the fight against Maverick only four days after her split-decision win over Ivana Petrovic on Nov. 2 in Edmonton.
She replaced the 12th-ranked women’s flyweight contender Tracey Cortez, who withdrew from the UFC Tampa main event due to injury.
Prior to the fight, Horth Wessels told The Squamish Chief she was shocked to get the opportunity to fight again so soon.
“I was surprised to be offered the fight, but we didn’t hesitate,” Horth Wessels said.
“My coaching staff is always looking for the next move, and seeing her opponent was out they had already started watching tapes.
“I think it’s another tough fight. Every fight is going to be this way in the UFC. But I am excited to get back in there, and all the pressure is on her.”
With the loss, Horth Wessels UFC comes away with seven wins and two losses in her professional career. Maverick leaves with 17 wins and five losses.
