Arlene Blencowe and Dayana Silva at the ceremonial weigh-ins before their fight at Bellator 262. (Photo: Bellator MMA/Twitter)
Australia’s Arlene Blencowe has defeated Brazilian Dayana Silva by TKO, one minute into the third round at Bellator 262.
Currently ranked second in the Women’s Featherweight Division, Blencowe was looking to get back onto the winning track after a submission loss to current champion Cris Cyborg in October last year.
The first round was a close affair, with both Blencowe and Silva having their moments in the striking. Blencowe was able to land more powerful punches and kicks while Silva looked to employ a game plan of heavy movement, striking and then getting out of the way.
The round closed with Silva attempting a takedown to try and edge the round on the judge’s scorecards, however, was not able to secure it, eating a knee to the body in the process.
Blencowe came out stronger in the second round and was much smarter in the striking exchanges, able to land her shots and avoid the return fire from Silva.
She also mixed up her strikes better to the head and body which appeared to be having an effect on Silva, who attempted a takedown to try and slow the damage she was absorbing.
It was evident that in the past eight months since her last fight, Blencowe had been working on her takedown defence as it was much improved, able to easily defend Silva’s attempt.
Silva attempted another takedown soon after but again paid for the attempt, eating a big knee to the body.
In the final 10 seconds of the second round, Silva finally was able to secure a takedown but it had little effect as the round ended almost as soon as she secured it.
Blencowe made quick work of Silva in the final round able to check a leg kick which then set up the finish. Blencowe followed up with a left hook which stunned Silva followed by a big right hand which wobbled the Brazilian.
A flurry of punches came soon after, dropping Silva where Blencowe landed heavy ground and pound until the referee stepped in to stop the fight.
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Post-fight, Blencowe spoke proudly of her performance.
“(I’m) super happy to be fair,” she said.
“I put a lot of pressure on myself coming back from a loss. I really stepped things up this camp, being away from home and I just really wanted to put on a super impressive performance and get the job done.
“I put a little bit of pressure on myself that probably wasn’t necessary but in the end here I am, I’m in the winner’s column again, so that’s all that matters.”
Blencowe spent this fight’s training camp at the world famous Jackson Wink MMA Academy. She honed her skills alongside the likes of former UFC champion Holly Holm and multiple-time world boxing champion and two time Olympic gold medallist Clarissa Shields.
This win is Blencowe’s eighth career win by knockout and extends her MMA record to 14-8. Since re-joining Bellator in 2017, Blencowe has gone 5-2 with her only two losses coming against former Featherweight champion Julia Budd and current champion Cris Cyborg.
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