Mesquita Remains Undefeated with Quick Submission
Beatriz "Bia" Mesquita continued her impressive UFC run on Saturday, submitting Macy Chiasson with a rear-naked choke at 3:23 of the first round at UFC 334, according to live results from FIGHTMAG. The bantamweight bout took place on the early prelims at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
The victory improves Mesquita's professional record to 9-0 and her UFC mark to 4-0, with all four wins coming by way of submission. Chiasson, who entered the fight on a three-fight losing streak, falls to 11-7 overall and 7-7 in the UFC.
Dominant Grappling on Display
Mesquita, an IBJJF Hall of Famer, wasted little time implementing her world-class grappling. According to a Yahoo Sports preview, Mesquita had controlled opponents for 54% of her total UFC fight time heading into the bout, and she needed just over three minutes to add to that tally against Chiasson.
The finish came via rear-naked choke, marking Mesquita's fourth submission in as many UFC appearances. She had previously submitted Irina Alekseeva in Round 2, followed by first-round finishes of Montse Rendon and Melissa Mullins.
Context: A Rising Contender in a Deep Division
Mesquita's win over Chiasson carries significance beyond just another tally in the win column. The Brazilian has now finished all four of her UFC opponents inside the distance, establishing herself as a serious threat in the bantamweight division.
According to the Yahoo Sports preview, Mesquita entered the fight as a -258 favorite, with the line moving toward her as high as -278 by fight time. The Action Network projection had her as a 73% favorite, indicating that the market and analysts alike recognized her grappling advantage.
Chiasson's Struggles Continue
For Chiasson, the loss extends a difficult stretch. The 34-year-old had dropped consecutive decisions to Ketlen Vieira, Yana Santos, and Ailin Perez before facing Mesquita. The Yahoo Sports preview noted that Chiasson struggled once on her back, a vulnerability that Mesquita exploited quickly.
Despite holding a significant size advantage—7 inches in height and 5 inches in reach—Chiasson was unable to keep the fight standing long enough to utilize her striking. The loss raises questions about her future in the division.
Perspective: Mesquita's Ceiling and the Bantamweight Landscape
Mesquita's rapid ascent raises the question of how soon she should be matched against ranked opposition. With four UFC fights and four finishes, the 33-year-old has yet to see a third round in the octagon. The Yahoo Sports preview noted that her cardio beyond Round 2 is untested in MMA competition, though her grappling has been so dominant that opponents have been unable to extend her.
A Potential Title Threat?
For now, Mesquita remains a fighter to watch in a bantamweight division that features elite talent such as champion Kayla Harrison and former champion Amanda Nunes, who competed in the co-main event at UFC 334. The Yahoo Sports preview noted that Mesquita's striking remains a weakness—she was outlanded 10-3 by Mullins before finding the submission—but her grappling is among the best in the division.
As Mesquita continues to climb, her next matchup will likely come against a ranked opponent. If she can continue her submission streak against tougher competition, a title shot may not be far off. For now, the Brazilian has done everything asked of her: win, and win decisively.
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