Victoria, B.C.’s Sarah Kaufman picked up her first UFC victory after a thrilling unanimous decision win over Leslie Smith in a featured preliminary bout at the TUF Nations Finale Wednesday in Quebec City.
The two bantamweights went the distance in a Fight of the Night-winning contest last April at Invicta FC 5 and they continued right where they left off.
Kaufman won their first meeting by split decision, but was the far crisper and more active fighter in the rematch. The women stood and traded punches, kicks, elbows and knees from the clinch and at a distance.
In total, Kaufman landed a whopping 232 strikes compared to Smith’s 100, according to FightMetric.
Kaufman (16-2, 1 NC) was originally slated to meet Shayna Baszler then Amanda Nunes, but both opponents were forced to withdraw. Smith (6-5-1) took the fight on short notice and has now lost two straight.
Following her win, Kaufman pleaded her case to appear on the UFC 174 card June 14 in her home province.
