Josiane Nunes thinks harder punches against taller Fairn led to UFC 283 win
RIO DE JANEIRO – Josiane Nunes beat Zarah Fairn with a unanimous decision Saturday on the preliminary card at UFC 283 at Jeunesse Arena in Rio de Janeiro.
Take a look inside the fight with Nunes, who won for the ninth straight time after she rallied from a rough first round.
Zarah Fairn vs. Josiane Nunes
Jan 21, 2023; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Josiane Nunes (red gloves) enters the arena before the fight against Zarah Fairn (blue gloves) during UFC 283 at Jeunesse Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason da Silva-USA TODAY Sports
Result: Josiane Nunes def. Zarah Fairn via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Updated records: Nunes (10-1 MMA, 3-0 UFC), Fairn (6-5 MMA, 0-3 UFC)
Key stat: Fairn won the overall striking battle 122-107, but Nunes left with her hand raised.
Nunes on the fight's key moment
Jan 21, 2023; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Josiane Nunes (red gloves) fights Zarah Fairn (blue gloves) during UFC 283 at Jeunesse Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason da Silva-USA TODAY Sports
“I wasn’t sure (if I won), but I do think I was able to connect with the harder shots.”
Nunes on the size difference with Fairn
Jan 21, 2023; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Josiane Nunes (red gloves) fights Zarah Fairn (blue gloves) during UFC 283 at Jeunesse Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason da Silva-USA TODAY Sports
“I was expecting it to be a hard fight from the get-go, especially because of her height and her reach.
“I was expecting it to be a hard fight from the get-go, especially because of her height and her reach. It was a hard camp, but I trained with men, with women. My head coach is pretty tall, and we do a lot of mitt work.”
Nunes on what she wants next
“I’m really happy with the win and I’m ready for what’s next.”
To hear more from Nunes, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 283.
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