Joselyne Edwards was 1.5 pounds over the bantamweight limit when she competed against Ji Yeon Kim at UFC 277 on Saturday.
Kim was resuming at 135 pounds, or officially a catchweight.
On Saturday, Edwards vs. Kim began with a quick flurry before the two settled in. Kim’s overhand left found a place, but Edwards quickly countered with a combo to put her on the back foot.
Edwards attempted a low kick but it was blocked; a second attempt, as Kim circled outside, would succeed.
The ever moving Kim connected with her right as the round went on. While pursuing the South Korean, Edwards fired a combination of shots.
In the last second, Edwards cut off the cage and temporarily confined Kim along the fence before letting go of her hands.
Kim managed to escape, though, and Edwards tried to start a clinch in the dying seconds but was unable to make much progress as the final horn sounded.
In round two, Edwards started varying her kicks, throwing to the head before launching a spinning back kick intended for the body. Kim was starting to get her jab going.
Kim would remain outside until the final two minutes, when she would advance and grab Edwards by the right hand. Edwards kept kicking, but she didn’t seem to be attacking with much urgency.
In the third round, Kim entered with a jab before landing several right hands. Edwards appeared exhausted because she had to enter the bout on short notice and had lost weight.
Then Edwards looked to twist her ankle, momentarily staggering. Maybe as a result, Edwards drew closer and went for a takedown, forcing Kim back to the fence. They would eventually fall to the ground, with Ji Yeon Kim managing to escape an arm-bar that Edwards had rolled into.
They would trade blows on the floor to end the round, and just before the final buzzer, Edwards would land a powerful right hand.
UFC 277: Joselyne Edwards vs Ji Yeon Kim Official Result
Joselyne Edwards def. Ji Yeon Kim by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27)
