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Andrade stops Chookagian with body shots in flyweight debut

Josh Hedges / UFC / Getty

Jessica Andrade was victorious in her flyweight debut.

The former strawweight champion finished Katlyn Chookagian via first-round TKO in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night on Saturday at Flash Forum in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The stoppage came at 4:55.

The finish came as Andrade hurt Chookagian with a devastating right hand to the body in the clinch. The Brazilian swarmed her opponent and landed a second body shot, dropping Chookagian and forcing the referee to intervene with seconds left in the opening round.

Andrade got off to a good start in the fight, clinching Chookagian and taking her down less than a minute in. Andrade had a four-inch reach disadvantage and was eight inches shorter than Chookagian, making it crucial for her to get up close.

Chookagian likely wanted to pick Andrade apart from the outside, but Andrade bullied her in the clinch and on the ground. Chookagian started to open up on the feet as the first round progressed, but the former champ scored a second takedown before finding the finish late in the frame.

Andrade snapped a two-fight skid with the victory. She held the 115-pound belt for three months starting in May 2019.

Chookagian, the No. 1-ranked flyweight heading into the contest, is now 1-2 in her last three outings.

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