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Pulls upset in Vegas
McKenna defeated Kay Hansen via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) at UFC Fight Night on Saturday in Las Vegas.
ANALYSIS
McKenna was awarded her UFC contract this past August despite not getting a finish in her victory over Vanessa Demopoulous on Dana White's Contender Series. On Saturday she got her opportunity as a significant underdog (+170) against a fellow 21-year-old and came through in a major way. Whether or not McKenna actually deserved the judges decision is another story entirely but Cory performed far better than virtually everyone expected. When all was said and done, McKenna finished with a 104-59 edge in total strikes landed. Both women also connected on one successful takedown. Like Hansen, the most important thing for McKenna at this point is that she remains healthy and continues to improve. McKenna turned just 21 years of age this past July.
McKenna was awarded her UFC contract this past August despite not getting a finish in her victory over Vanessa Demopoulous on Dana White's Contender Series. On Saturday she got her opportunity as a significant underdog (+170) against a fellow 21-year-old and came through in a major way. Whether or not McKenna actually deserved the judges decision is another story entirely but Cory performed far better than virtually everyone expected. When all was said and done, McKenna finished with a 104-59 edge in total strikes landed. Both women also connected on one successful takedown. Like Hansen, the most important thing for McKenna at this point is that she remains healthy and continues to improve. McKenna turned just 21 years of age this past July.
First UFC bout in November
McKenna will take on Kay Hansen in a strawweight matchup at a UFC event scheduled for November 14, according to the ESPN+ telecast of Dana White's Contender Series on Tuesday.
ANALYSIS
McKenna caught Dana White in a good mood during Week 2 of the 2020 Contender Series, as she was awarded a contract after her win against Vanessa Demopoulos despite not getting the finish. She'll now get a big test in her official UFC debut, taking on a 21-year-old prospect in Hansen who rode a three-fight Invicta winning streak to her UFC debut, which she also won via submission. McKenna measures up an inch taller, but will be giving up approximately four inches in reach to Hansen when the Octagon doors close.
McKenna caught Dana White in a good mood during Week 2 of the 2020 Contender Series, as she was awarded a contract after her win against Vanessa Demopoulos despite not getting the finish. She'll now get a big test in her official UFC debut, taking on a 21-year-old prospect in Hansen who rode a three-fight Invicta winning streak to her UFC debut, which she also won via submission. McKenna measures up an inch taller, but will be giving up approximately four inches in reach to Hansen when the Octagon doors close.
Gets her UFC shot
McKenna defeated Vanessa Demopoulos via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28) at Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series. She was one of five fighters awarded an official UFC contract after the show.
ANALYSIS
McKenna is just 21 years old and much of the commentary team felt a developmental deal was in order, but Dana White -- claiming to be in a good mood from a recent vacation -- ended up giving her a deal. The reality is that the UFC has a full schedule ahead with many foreign fighters facing travel restrictions, so McKenna will ultimately provide some much-needed roster depth in the U.S. That's not to take away from her performance, as it was a clear-cut win for the Team Alpha Male product. She was able to get the fight to the mat when she wanted to and held top control without issue, searching for submissions the entire time. On the feet, she delivered with speed and accuracy, walking right through all of Demopoulos' best shots. It might be a bit before McKenna is ready for ranked fighters, but she'll get quality coaching and every opportunity to build her resume.
McKenna is just 21 years old and much of the commentary team felt a developmental deal was in order, but Dana White -- claiming to be in a good mood from a recent vacation -- ended up giving her a deal. The reality is that the UFC has a full schedule ahead with many foreign fighters facing travel restrictions, so McKenna will ultimately provide some much-needed roster depth in the U.S. That's not to take away from her performance, as it was a clear-cut win for the Team Alpha Male product. She was able to get the fight to the mat when she wanted to and held top control without issue, searching for submissions the entire time. On the feet, she delivered with speed and accuracy, walking right through all of Demopoulos' best shots. It might be a bit before McKenna is ready for ranked fighters, but she'll get quality coaching and every opportunity to build her resume.