UFC 216 results: Mara Romero Borella submits Kalindra Faria in first round

Mara Romero Borella is wasting little time making her name in the UFC’s newest division.

The Italian put on an impressive display in her company debut on Saturday night, needing just 2:54 to finish Brazil’s Kalindra Faria by rear-naked choke submission in a flyweight fight at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Borella scored an effortless takedown on Faria, then transitioned just as smoothly from mount to back mount. From there it was a matter of time until she sunk in the choke and got the tap, earning Borella her fifth career first-round finish.

“It was a hard camp, just 10 days notice,” Borella said through an interpreter. “But we studied her a lot, we knew we would get her down, breathe, and get the submission.”

The UFC is currently in the process of crowning the first women’s 125-pound champion in the ongoing season of The Ultimate Fighter. Borella made it clear she’ll be around.

“It’s a dream for me, I’m here to stay I’m very happy,” she said.

Borella (12-4) got her sixth straight win, while Faria (18-6-1), also making her UFC debut, had a three-fight win streak snapped.