UFC 234 live blog: Montana De La Rosa vs. Nadia Kassem

This is the UFC 234 live blog for Montana De La Rosa vs. Nadia Kassem, a flyweight bout at Saturday’s UFC event at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia.

De La Rosa, who has won her first two UFC fights by submission, faces Kassem, who is undefeated in five pro bouts, on the main card.

Check out the UFC 234 live blog below.

Round 1: This bout will be officiated by Peter Hickmott. De La Rosa coming out hot right out of the gate, just throwing punches and backing up against the cage. They grapple and it looks like Kassem pulls guard awkwardly, letting De La Rosa get on top in half guard. De La Rosa throwing punches while looking to advance. Kassem active from the bottom but she isn’t being given much room to operate. Kassem throws her legs up and De La Rosa avoids it before dropping back into Kassem’s guard. Short shots to the body by De La Rosa. She’s in half guard again. De La Rosa is sneaking in short elbows and punches when she can, she’s scoring. Kassem tries to stand, but De La Rosa just powers her down and she’s in side control now. Late armbar attempt by De La Rosa and Kassem makes it to the buzzer.

MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9, De La Rosa.

Round 2: De La Rosa aggressive again and she gets the takedown 10 seconds in. She’s working from half guard again and landing more ground-and-pound. De La Rosa in side control with her knee on Kassem’s chest. De La Rosa into full mount, she’s working for a triangle, then a triangle armbar as Kassem tries to scramble out. It looks like De La Rosa has this submission locked in but Kassem isn’t tapping out. De La Rosa has the triangle sunk in and she’s throwing elbows. They roll and De La Rosa is on top throwing punches. Back to the arm, De La Rosa extends it and gets the tap.

Official result: Montana De La Rosa def. Nadia Kassem via submission (armbar) at 2:37 of round two