UFC Norfolk results: Felicia Spencer mauls Zarah Fairn by first round TKO in co-main event

Felicia Spencer did her part to get the attention of UFC featherweight champion Amanda Nunes

The Canadian wasted no time putting Zarah Fairn on the mat and then unleashing a hellacious series of punches and elbows that finally led to a TKO stoppage. Referee Dan Miragliotta mercifully stopped the contest at 3:37 into the opening round.

“I wanted to show a different side of me, a little more violent,” Spencer said while moving to 2-1 in her UFC career. “I really wanted to stay heavy and relentless so she didn’t have a moment to breathe.”

Best known as a ground technician, Spencer was actually willing to trade punches with Fairn early but when the opening presented itself to drag the fight to the ground, she seized the opportunity.

Once the fight was on the canvas, Spencer shredded Fairn’s defense to move into the mount where she began dropping hammers from the top position. There were several moments when it appeared the fight was going to be stopped but Miragliotta gave Fairn every chance to work her way free.

The assault continued as Spencer just kept blasting away until the referee finally stepped into rescue Fairn from absorbing any more damage.

In many ways, UFC Norfolk was the staging ground to determine Nunes’ next opponent with rumors swirling that she will defend her 145-pound belt in May. While Megan Anderson also picked up an impressive knockout win earlier in the night, Spencer already holds a submission win over her and coupled with this victory, it may be enough to earn the title shot.

“I think it puts me in a perfect spot,” Spencer said when asked about the chance to face Nunes next.

No decision will be made on Saturday night but now there are two viable options available as Nunes seeks to defend the 145-pound belt at UFC 250 in her native Brazil.