Michelle Waterson splits Angela Hill in incredible main event battle| UFC Vegas 10

Michelle Waterson and Angela Hill face off tonight (Sat. Sept. 12, 2020) in a main event women’s Strawweight clash from inside UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada. After betting bumped from the co-main event slot to headliner, the stakes of this bout grew a bit. Waterson was no longer just fighting to return to the win column; she is trying to return to her former status as contender. Similarly, Hill has a major opportunity to capitalize on her current momentum, which could see her break into the mix for the first time.

Many — including myself! — were not excited for this main event. However, the two Strawweights delivered, putting on one of the best bouts in the history of women’s MMA! It was an awesome and highly competitive main event, one that Waterson ultimately won via split-decision.

Round One

Waterson lands first with an inside low kick, but Hill stuffs her takedown attempt. Hill connects with a counter right hand. Hill presses the action, lands another right. Waterson goes back to the thigh. Waterson grabs a body lock and jams her opponent into the fence. Hill escapes, eating an elbow. Hill lands a combo then another right hand. Good low kick for Waterson, followed by a body kick. Deep takedown attempt from Waterson is stuffed! Hill reveres position and lands a knee before breaking away. Hill denies another takedown and lands a knee. The two trade front kicks. Hill finishes the round with a series of kicks.

Round Two

Waterson looking to establish the jab early, lands a good left kick and overhand as a result. Hill cracks her back with a right in return. Hill sticks a front kick into the belly and lands a couple punches. Hill lands a right and jab, denies a takedown. Waterson lands a sneaky lead high kick that partially connects. Clean jab from Waterson. Hard right hand connects for Hill and wobbles her, prompting a poor takedown attempt. Hill follows up with a hard jab. Waterson recovers, lands a punch-kick combo. Waterson gets in on a single leg, but Hill defends nicely. Hill starts working knees in the clinch. Big overhand connects for “Karate Hottie.” Waterson bails on a takedown and lands on the break. Hill defends the next one and lands a good elbow.

Round Three

Hill jabs to start the third round. Hill effectively fighting long early, behind the jab and teep kick. Waterson eats a knee, lands a trip takedown! Waterson is in half-guard, working to pass. The fight largely stalls out from that position for a couple minutes. HIll eventually goes to stand, nearly giving up back mount in the process. After the scare, Hill is pretty content to hold position. Waterson lands a decent elbow but eats an illegal upkick just before the round comes to an end.

Round Four

Waterson lands an early jab then attempts a double leg takedown. Good counter right lands for Waterson. Hill lands a combination then denies a takedown, jamming her foe into the fence again. Hill scores with knees. Good overhand lands for Hill. Clean jab scores for Waterson. Another! Quick combination for Waterson lands, and she’s looking slightly fresher. Hill finds another right hand, then sticks a long jab. Waterson attempts a couple takedowns that are close, but Hill maintains her footing. Double jab and side kick land for Waterson. Heavy side kick lands for Waterson to the mid-section. Another one to the face this time! Hill is advancing, but Waterson is landing the cleaner shots on the counter. Hill pushes her into the fence, but time elapses before anything too major connects.

Round Five

Double jab and kick combo opens the final round for a resurgent Waterson. Body kick counter scores for Waterson, but her follow-up high crotch takedown fails. Hill kicks at the mid-section. Hill lands a right uppercut. Hard side kick to the stomach lands again for Waterson. Hill scores with a left hook. Side kick from Waterson again. Waterson finishes a combinaiton with a clean left kick to the body. Hill kicks back, but she’s losing the volume game. Hill denies another takedown — her defense has been excellent overall. Waterson’s side kick cannot miss, however, and she lands a counter hook as well. The two trade jabs. Hill fires a combination. Spinning back fist partially connects for Waterson. Hill lands a solid right! Low kick from Waterson. Waterson scores with a big combination, but Hill answers right back with a slew of knees in the clinch.

Result: Michelle Waterson defeats Angela Hill via split-decision (48-47, 49-46, 47-48)

For complete UFC Vegas 10: “Hill vs. Waterson” results and play-by-play, click HERE!