A natural athlete for all of her life, Desiree Yanez has competed in noteworthy promotions prior to her arrival in the PFL. Coming in with a 7-4 record with four stoppages, Yanez enters off back-to-back wins. In March, she scored a decision over Maira Mazar in the PFL Challenger Series.
Lisa Mauldin’s journey in combat sports originally began in karate as a youth before moving on to Muay Thai and jiu-jitsu. She enters this bout with a 5-3 record with two finishes to her credit, Mauldin, who says her speed is her strength, also competed in the PFL Challenger Series in March, earning a third-round TKO of Helen Peralta.
Yanez won the fan vote over Mauldin during the Challenger Series, but these two get to face off with one another now in women’s flyweight action, looking to make yet another impression.
Round 1
Mauldin throws a leg kick right away but Yanez lands a big combination early. Mauldin throws a couple of kicks before they each land a big shot inside. Mauldin works her left jab and lands a low kick. The two trade before Mauldin presses forward. Yanez lands a big straight and then takes Mauldin down. The two exchange with Yanez in Mauldin’s full guard. Mauldin gets a butterfly hook to reverse position and get on top.
Yanez tries to get back to her feet, but Mauldin counters that attempt by trying to get to Yanez’s back. Mauldin goes for a rear-naked choke on Yanez’s jaw before it slips under the chin. Yanez taps!
3 REAR NAKED CHOKES IN A ROW! Lisa Mauldin takes home the W!#PFLPlayoffs LIVE NOW
— PFL (@PFLMMA) August 5, 2023
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🌎 https://t.co/jPNvomCxHI pic.twitter.com/0EgC6OvnJ4
What a statement with that finish by Lisa Mauldin!
OFFICIAL RESULT
Lisa Mauldin def. Desiree Yanez via first-round submission (rear-naked choke)