On the main card of UFC 262, we saw a pivotal matchup in the women’s flyweight division. Top contender and former title challenger Katlyn Chookagian (15-4) was taking on the surging contender Viviane Araujo (10-2).
Araujo entered UFC 262 riding a two-fight win streak. In her last performance, Araujo defeated the very tough Roxanne Modafferi by decision back in January. The two straight wins are on the heels of her loss to another former title challenger in Jessica Eye.
Araujo was looking to use this fight against Katlyn Chookagian as a stepping stone straight into title contention. However, getting the win over someone as tough as Chookagian was not going to be easy.
In my opinion heading into UFC 262, Katlyn Chookagian was clearly the third best flyweight in the world. She’s gone 8-4 inside the octagon and she’s only lost to former champions and former title challengers.
Since 2019, Chookagian has gone 4-2 with wins over JoJo Calderwood, Jennifer Maia, and Cynthia Calvillo. The Calvillo win came back at UFC 255 which was a nice bounce back win after she was stopped in the first round by Jessica Andrade.
UFC 262 Recap
Round 1
The UFC 262 flyweight contest kicked off with immediate pressure from Araujo. Both ladies trade jabs to start their striking. Nice step-in jab lands for Chookagian. Chookagian lands a nice lead left hook.
Big body shot and hook lands for Araujo. Chookagian lands a jab, but Araujo lands a nice left hook on the exit. Big overhand right hand lands for Araujo. Front kick for Chookagian finds it’s home. Another nice right hand lands for Araujo.
Araujo misses wild and a nice body counter lands for Chookagian. Chookagian steps forward with a combination and Araujo counters with a beautiful body shot. The activity is really picking up for Katlyn Chookagian.
1-2 to the body lands for Araujo. Chookagian being very active with her jab and it’s starting to land. A jab and back-to-back front kicks to the body lands for Chookagian. Araujo shoots for a takedown and presses Chookagian against the fence. Round comes to a close and it’s 1-0 Araujo at UFC 262.
Round 2
Chookagian steps forward with a nice 1-2 to start the second here at UFC 262. Both ladies exchange big jabs. A front kick from Chookagian sets Araujo down briefly, but Araujo is right back up.
Araujo presses forward with power shots but misses wildly. Tons of volume here in the second for Katlyn Chookagian. Chookagian is landing the jab consistently here in the second round.
Chookagian throws a body kick, but Araujo catches it. Araujo uses the leg to land a takedown and she’s immediately in halfguard. Araujo starts to work on a guillotine and she uses it to get the mount.
Chookagian is holding on tight, but she’s in a very bad spot here. Araujo starts to attack an arm-triangle, but Chookagian explodes up and starts throwing bombs. Huge 1-2 lands for Chookagian and Araujo looks exhausted here.
Chookagian is pouring it on here late in the round. Araujo plots forward and lands a jab, but she looks compromised. Nice body kick lands and the round comes to a close. Despite the strong close, I think Araujo takes it. Araujo is up 2-0 here at UFC 262.
Round 3
Entering the final round here at UFC 262 and I think Chookagian needs a finish here. Chookagian steps forward with a jab and front kick to start her striking. Araujo leaps forward with a left hook that connects.
Chookagian circles on the outside and lands a couple of jabs. Big right straight lands for Araujo. Lead left hook lands for Araujo and she seems to be getting a bit of a second wind here in the third round.
Chookagian continues to pop the jab and she lands a big right hook to the body. Big front knee lands for Chookagian and Araujo’s eye is starting to swell. A sloppy 1-2 attempt from Araujo falls short.
Good jab lands for Chookagian and she’s landing at will with that jab. However, there’s not a ton of power on any of these shots. Hook to the body and a follow up kick lands for Katlyn Chookagian.
Araujo shoots in for a takedown and can’t land it. Chookagian lands a big knee on the break and a huge 1-2 lands for Chookagian. Big leg kick for Katlyn Chookagian. Chookagian is lighting Araujo up here in the third round.
More shots land for Katlyn Chookagian and she’s in cruise control here in the third. The final bell sounds and it was a dominant third round for Katlyn Chookagian. However, I think it wasn’t enough and I have it 2-1 Araujo at UFC 262.
Katlyn Chookagian def. Viviane Araujo by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)