In an exciting display of skill and resilience, Julia Polastri emerged victorious over Cory McKenna during the preliminary card of UFC Fight Night 244 held at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas on October 12, 2024. This match marked a pivotal moment for Polastri as she clinched her first win in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) following a challenging debut earlier in June. The split decision, which concluded with scores of 29-28, 28-29, and 30-27 in favor of Polastri, is a testament to her tenacity and growth as a fighter.
The bout showcased Polastri’s striking abilities, as she outstruck McKenna with a total of 142 strikes to 98, significantly outnumbering her opponent in significant strikes. The discrepancy in their striking effectiveness was a key factor in her victory. In addition to her striking prowess, Polastri displayed remarkable defensive skills, successfully preventing five of McKenna’s six takedown attempts throughout the fight.
Strategies and Insights from Polastri
After the match, Polastri addressed her strategy, revealing her awareness of McKenna’s grappling attempts. “I knew she was still grappling with me. When she grappled with me, I was stronger than her, and I saw that I frustrated her. That was the strategy, and I think that I did the game plan right,” Polastri explained. This level of insight into her performance indicates not only her intelligence as a fighter but also her ability to adapt to the dynamics of the fight. The Brazilian fighter acknowledged McKenna’s toughness but remained focused on her own performance, stating that regardless of the surprises during the match, the most important aspect was securing the win.
This victory represents a significant step for Polastri in her professional MMA career. With her record now standing at 13-4 and 1-1 within the UFC, she is poised to build momentum. Acknowledging her previous loss, Polastri emphasized the importance of this win in redefining her journey in the octagon.
Aiming for Future Fights
Looking ahead, Polastri expressed her eagerness to step into the cage again this year, preferably during the last event on the UFC calendar. “I’d really like to fight again this year. If we can do it at the last card of the year, it will be awesome because my camp can start in November,” she said. The fighter’s confidence in her abilities to perform under different training conditions shows her commitment to continuous improvement in her craft. Having only three weeks to prepare for this fight, Polastri is optimistic that with a full eight-week training camp, her performance could reach new heights in future bouts.
Polastri’s approach indicates a readiness to face any opponent the UFC matches her against. “I don’t have a name specifically. I really like to be prepared for anybody that they bring me.” This flexibility and willingness to adapt are indicative of a fighter dedicated to challenging herself and climbing further up the ranks in the UFC.
Julia Polastri’s recent victory at UFC Fight Night 244 not only serves as a crucial milestone in her career but also showcases her determination and skill as a fighter in the highly competitive world of mixed martial arts. As she looks to build on this success, fans and analysts alike will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how she continues to evolve and which opponents she may face in her future fights. With her strong performance and strategic mindset, Polastri is reaffirming her place in the UFC, and her journey is just beginning.