UFC on ESPN 12 video: 20-year-old Kay Hansen taps out Jinh Yu Frey with armbar in her octagon debut

Kay Hansen won’t be able to celebrate with a drink in Las Vegas but she will still relish her first victory in the UFC.

The 20-year-old prospect made an impressive debut at UFC on ESPN 12 as she tapped out former Invicta FC champion Jinh Yu Frey with an armbar at 2:26 into the third and final round.

“I know I need one takedown and that’s all I need,” Hansen said after the win. “I made the decision to Hail Mary and go for that armbar.”

Experience against higher level competition paid benefits to Frey in the early going as she was calm and composed during the striking exchanges while showcasing good footwork and great hand speed to tag Hansen with her punches. Throughout the opening round, Hansen tried to find a way inside to get the fight to the ground but Frey was able to avoid her attempts.

Following a slow start, Hansen was able to drag Frey to the ground in the second round as she maintained control on top. Because Frey was stalling and playing defense, Hansen struggled to do much damage as she tried to advance her position on the mat.

With five minutes remaining, Hansen knew the fight was close but she had no desire to see the judges’ scorecards in her debut.

After getting locked in a scramble during a takedown attempt, Hansen held onto an over hook on Frey’s arm and she made a fluid transition into a submission on the ground. Moving from an armbar to a triangle choke and then back to an armbar again, Hansen was relentless with her attempts to finish the fight.

Finally after locking up the arm and extending the elbow, Hansen had Frey trapped and the former 105-pound champion had no choice but to tap out.

Moving to 7-3 overall, Hansen picked up the biggest win of her career after she was inspired to try mixed martial arts by former UFC champion Ronda Rousey. Hansen even got a message from the UFC Hall of Famer following her debut win.