Verona, New York SBG Idaho Coach Veta Arteaga (3-2 MMA, 2-2 BMMA) dropped a close split decision in her Women’s Flyweight bout to Brazilian Bruna Ellen (4-1 MMA, 2-1 BMMA) at Bellator 182 on Friday, August 25. The contest was a very exciting, closely contested one that saw both ladies display great skill and strategy in the cage. Round 1 saw Arteaga come out aggressive, applying forward pressure with striking combinations. Ellen did well to circle away from danger and land a few hard counter punches. Arteaga was able to clinch the Brazilian, but Ellen reversed and pinned her against the cage, before separating behind some strong elbow strikes. This process repeated a few times, with Arteaga landing punches and kicks coming forward and Ellen looking to land counterstrikes while circling away. Near the end of the round, Ellen timed a double leg takedown as Arteaga came forward with punches, and maintained top position through the bell. Round two began with Arteaga continuing to pressure forward, but doing a better job of cutting the cage off to prevent Ellen from circling out of danger. Ellen again scored another takedown off a well-timed level change. The ensuing ground scramble saw Arteaga give up her back before quickly reversing to the top position. From there she went to work with strong ground and pound before passing guard and continuing to land hard punches and elbows to Ellen’s head and body through the end of the round. With the fight likely even at one round apiece, both ladies came out in the third with laser focus. Arteaga continued to apply forward pressure with punches and kicks, that appeared to stagger Ellen, before initiating the clinch and searching for a takedown of her own. Ellen reversed her to the cage where she kept her pinned for nearly a minute before separating. Arteaga pressed forward again but was taken down once more. Ellen stayed safe from top, keep her chest down and elbows close. Arteaga was finally able to create space and get back to her feet, where both women attacked until the final bell! In the end, it appeared the final takedown by Ellen was enough to sway the judges as they awarded her the split decision victory, (29-28, 28-29, 29-28). We are incredibly proud of Coach Veta, as she overcame tremendous adversity prior to entering the cage for this fight. She grew as an athlete, martial artist, and person, and we look forward to seeing an even better version next time out!!!
