UFC Fight Night 33 Results: Bethe Correia Wins Split Decision Over Julie Kedzie

UFC newcomer Bethe Correia was able to overcome Julie Kedzie, handing the veteran her fourth straight loss. Their bout opened the main card at UFC Fight Night 33 in Brisbane, Australia on Friday night.

The judges scored the fight 29-28 Correia, 29-28 Kedzie, and 29-28 Correia.

The fight was about Kedzie’s speed and movement versus Correia’s power. Kedzie opened with a right hand and looked to create space with her front kicks. Correia, who struggled to find her range early in the round, clinched with Kedzie before rocking her with a right and left hand combination. Correia backed Kedzie against the cage, landing knees from the clinch before looking for a single leg on the bell to snatch the round.

Kedzie looked to gain confidence in round two, moving around Correia and increasing her volume of kicks. Correia was looking to get the fight on the inside where she has the power advantage, but Kedzie maintained the distance to make the fight up for grabs heading into the final round.

Correia came on again in the final frame working her combinations, and was successful landing her shots on Kedzie. Correia landed the takedown and gained top position midway through the round. She transitioned to Kedzie’s back, looking for the rear-naked choke, but Kedzie broke free and brought the fight back to the feet. They traded shots to end an exciting scrap.

The victory for the Brazilian improves her record to 7-0, while the loss leaves Kedzie on thin ice as she is yet to win under the Zuffa banner despite her previous three losses being against top women fighters.