UFC on ESPN 72 – Joselyne Edwards vs Priscila Cachoeira

Joselyne “La Pantera” Edwards entered UFC on ESPN 72 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas determined to make a statement against the ever-aggressive Priscila “Zombie Girl” Cachoeira. Edwards, already recognized for her crisp boxing and ability to control distance, was riding steady momentum in the bantamweight division. Across from her stood Cachoeira, a fighter whose fearless forward pressure and knockout power have made her dangerous to anyone who stands in front of her, but whose defense and discipline have at times been liabilities. The stage was set for a high-paced clash between two strikers with very different approaches.

When the opening horn sounded, Cachoeira wasted no time charging forward, throwing looping punches and trying to force Edwards into wild exchanges. In the early moments, the Brazilian’s aggressive style even resulted in an accidental eye poke, briefly halting the action. Edwards, however, remained unfazed, using her jab to create space and slipping just enough to avoid Cachoeira’s heaviest swings. Her patience allowed her to read the timing and find the openings she needed.

Midway through the first round, Edwards saw her chance. As Cachoeira stepped in with another flurry, Edwards planted her feet and delivered a perfectly timed uppercut that snapped her opponent’s head back. Without hesitation, she followed with a sharp left hook that landed flush, sending Cachoeira crashing to the canvas. The referee immediately stepped in at 2:24 of the first round, awarding Edwards a stunning knockout victory.

The finish was as clean as it was decisive, showcasing Edwards’s technical striking and composure under fire. She not only neutralized Cachoeira’s forward pressure but also punished her for the defensive gaps that have plagued the Brazilian throughout her career. It was the kind of victory that reinforces Edwards’s growing reputation as a finisher capable of staying calm in chaos and turning the tide in an instant.

With the win, Edwards improved her record and positioned herself for a potential leap toward the bantamweight division’s upper tier. For Cachoeira, the defeat marked another setback, extending a tough run that has seen more losses than wins in recent appearances. As Edwards looks ahead to bigger opportunities, Cachoeira faces the challenge of shoring up her defense and regaining the form that once made her a dangerous threat in the UFC’s women’s ranks.