UFC Vegas 54 saw a crazy start to the prelims fight between women’s flyweights, Andrea Lee and Viviane Araujo. However, it was the corner work of Andrea Lee’s team that had the UFC world shocked.
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In the first round, Andrea Lee got an incredible combo that sat down Viviane Araujo on the mat. However, the firework of a round saw Araujo come back, keeping her composure and sticking to the basics. Subsequently, Araujo tagged Lee as well. At the end of the first round, both fighters were looking at a tough two rounds ahead.
However, in Lee’s corner, coach Tony Kelly appeared to say, “That’s what they’re going to do, they’re dirty f*cking Brazilians, they’re going to f*cking cheat like that.”
This saw massive criticism from MMA media members, UFC fans, and fighters and took the attention away from the actual fight.
UFC world unhappy with Andrea Lee’s corner work
Fight fans, including fighters and media members, took to Twitter to criticize the outrageous corner work at UFC Vegas 54 prelims fight. Gilbert Burns even insinuated that Adrian Yanez will have a say about this in his next bout.
“My guy @yanezmma get a finish on your next fight and I will send you an extra money #UFCVegas54,” wrote Burns.
For context, Adrian Yanez is fighting Andrea Lee's cornerman (Tony Kelley) in his next fight. #UFCVegas54 https://t.co/kmz1m7HYFa
— Shaheen Al-Shatti (@shaunalshatti) May 15, 2022
Trash. #UFCVegas54 https://t.co/oei2YhP89i
— Shaheen Al-Shatti (@shaunalshatti) May 15, 2022
FFS. I wish shit like this in MMA was surprising. https://t.co/7iSPy0pa15
— Shaheen Al-Shatti (@shaunalshatti) May 15, 2022
Awful. Just awful. https://t.co/Jmrqf1qe3D
— Damon Martin (@DamonMartin) May 15, 2022
The truth is the truth. https://t.co/AKfT9nx6zj
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) May 15, 2022
I'm starting to think Andrea lee might not be a good person… https://t.co/uhW7uIxafy
— Trent Reinsmith (@TrentReinsmith) May 15, 2022
Anyhow, Araujo’s performance and toughness proved why she’s ranked in the top 10 of the UFC women’s flyweight division.
Will Viviane Araujo fight Valentina Shevchenko next?
The number 8 ranked flyweight, Araujo, stacked another win in the division where a few solid wins could get fighters a ticket to fight ‘Bullet‘ Shevchenko.
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However, since Araujo was coming off a recent loss to Katlyn Chookagian, it’s tough to imagine the former getting a title shot. Chiefly, when Chookagian fought on the same card and earned a victory herself.
Thus, Araujo would need more wins to get to ‘Bullet’ and her chance to become the Flyweight queen.
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What do you make of the outrageous comments from Andrea Lee’s corner? Let us know in the comments section below.