Nicolle Caliari Snags First UFC Win, Subs Shauna Bannon in Strawweight Move

Shauna Bannon and Nicole Caliari opened UFC Vegas 117 at strawweight. Bannon entered at 2-2 in the promotion after a loss, while Caliari sought her first UFC win after starting 0-2 and moved down to strawweight. Early action featured grappling and takedowns, with Caliari landing throws and spending much of the first round on top, controlling Bannon along the fence and threatening with ground-and-pound and side control. Bannon attempted offense from her back, including rib strikes, while Caliari worked for a kimura. In round two, Caliari pressed for takedowns and controlled from guard, but Bannon later regained footing, got on top, threatened with a crucifix, and landed elbows and side control. The round shifted toward Bannon as she became more active and potentially stole it.

"Lots of grappling action early in the preliminary card opener, with Caliari landing a couple of throws. The first saw Bannon escape out, only for Caliari to clinch up against the fence and eventually hit the second. That set the tone for the round, with Caliari spending lots of time on top, controlling. Eventually, she had Bannon stacked up along the fence. Bannon tried to scramble out but instead Carliari used the space to land some ground n' pound and move into side control."

"Off her back, Bannon hit the ribs, but she really wasn't being all that effective. Caliari, meanwhile, worked on a kimura, but ran out of time in the round. Caliari clinched up early in round two, pressing Bannon against the fence and looking for a takedown. She wound up grabbing a single leg and spinning Bannon around, though Bannon showed impressive balance and managed to remain upright."

"By the midway point of round two, Bannon was no closer to escaping, until Caliari actually chose to back off. Back on the feet, Bannon circled, fired a kick, circled more, and nearly had a second kick caught. Caliari then grabbed a leg again, but appeared to have lost a step and couldn't complete it. This time, it was Bannon getting on top, working to pass guard and even threatening with a crucifix."

"Bannon found a home for an elbow or two, in an impressive comeback given how the round had started. A very active Bannon moved to side control and began dropping more elbows, potentially stealing back the round. Bannon opened with a low kick in round three, crashe"

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