This past Saturday on the main card of UFC Vegas 45, we saw a very entertaining matchup in the women’s strawweight division. One of the more popular fighters in the promotion, Angela Hill (13-11) was taking on the dangerous Amanda Lemos (11-1-1).
Both of these ladies were inside the UFC’s top fifteen entering the contest. In the first round, Lemos really showed off her power by dropping Hill. She used a beautiful combination of a front kick followed up by some straight shots.
Without question, Lemos won the first round. However, just like she normally does, Angela Hill answered back. Hill came out strong in the second round and was landing big shots. In fact, she even rocked Lemos at one point. I had the second round going to Hill.
The third round was very competitive with both fighters having good moments. Ultimately, I leaned towards Hill in the final round. The judges have not been kind to Hill in her UFC career and this was going to be another close decision.
In the end, it was a split decision that went towards Amanda Lemos at UFC Vegas 45. It was the fourth split decision loss that Hill has suffered over the past couple of years. One has to wonder after UFC Vegas 45 if Hill is just cursed at this point.
What’s next after UFC Vegas 45?
Dana White said after UFC Vegas 45 that he believed that Hill won the fight. As mentioned this is the fourth time that Hill has lost a close fight by split decision. Two of those other split decision losses came over the last couple of years against top contenders Michelle Waterson and Claudia Gadelha.
Had Hill been given the nod there, who knows where she would be in terms of the rest of the UFC’s strawweight division. Hell, she might’ve been near the very top or challenging for a title had she been given the nod there.
Instead, Hill is 0-4 every time there’s been a split decision in her UFC career. Well, after this latest setback, where does Hill go from here? I think she should still be taking on top fifteen talent. She’s proven that’s where she belongs.
In terms of an opponent, I like Hill taking on Virna Jandiroba (17-3) next. Both of these contenders are right next to each other in the rankings and both are coming off losses. This seems like a good next fight for both.