At UFC 319 in Chicago, Loopy Godinez earned a unanimous decision win over former UFC women’s strawweight champion Jessica Andrade, showcasing resilience and skill throughout their closely contested fight. This Loopy Godinez UFC 319 victory marks an important milestone after Godinez’s recent comeback.
Background and Fighter Conditions Heading into the Match
Jessica Andrade, seeking to rebound after back-to-back losses—including a defeat by Jasmine Jasudavicius at UFC 315 in May—faced a crucial moment in her career with a record sitting at 2-5 across her last seven fights. Andrade returned to the 115-pound strawweight division for the first time since UFC 300. Meanwhile, Loopy Godinez approached this bout after snapping a two-fight losing streak with a victory over Julia Polastri in March, aiming to build momentum in her career.
Fight Progression and Key Moments Across Three Rounds
The initial round saw Andrade pressing forward confidently, absorbing and dishing out strikes in a standup battle where both competitors had their moments. Godinez responded by mixing leg kicks with an effective jab, forcing Andrade to respect her striking power despite Andrade’s aggressive approach.
Round two shifted partly to the ground, with Godinez gaining top control briefly before Andrade managed to return the fight to the feet. On standing, Godinez’s left hand connected multiple times, showing improved precision, while Andrade responded with right hands and body shots, including low kicks. Near the final 30 seconds, Godinez attempted a takedown, but Andrade successfully defended and kept the fight upright against the cage.
In the third and final round, Andrade continued her forward pressure with winging hooks and thwarted additional takedown attempts. The later stages featured a gritty standup exchange, with both fighters landing strikes. Godinez landed a knee in the final minute after trailing a combination and secured a late takedown just as the bell rang, although this takedown likely did not influence the official scoring.
Judges Award Godinez a Close but Clear Victory
After three intense rounds, the judges unanimously scored the fight in favor of Loopy Godinez, with identical 29-28 totals, reflecting a tightly fought contest that rewarded Godinez’s effective strikes and control during key moments.
Significance of Godinez’s Win and Future Outlook
This Loopy Godinez UFC 319 victory not only halts her recent losing streak but also establishes her as a formidable presence in the strawweight division. For Andrade, the defeat extends a challenging period, prompting questions about her next steps in the division. Both competitors demonstrated tenacity, but Godinez’s strategic adjustments and volume striking proved decisive in this pivotal matchup.