UFC: Melissa Mullins defeats Pia Mesquita in Las Vegas

Melissa Mullins was presented on her return to the UFC by Brazilian Pia Mesquita as the British fighter suffered more heartbreak in Las Vegas.

Mullins, 34, was fighting four months after crying on the scales at UFC London after narrowly making the weight.

That hometown fight was canceled for Mullins when her opponent failed to make weight, and it was another tough night for the bantamweight as she was submitted to the first round on Saturday.

Mullins started strong, pressuring Mesquita with some powerful strikes, catching her with a big left hand that swung the Brazilian hard.

Mullins looks like he’s going to get a big win over an unbeaten fighter.

However, Mullins left the competition on the ground, and Mesquita – a Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion – was able to buy time to clear her head before moving into an armbar position, forcing Mullins to tap.

Speaking after the loss, Mullins said: “For me, I gave a performance that I had never done before. It ended up being a match against a female who is the best at what she does.

“I couldn’t be happier with my camp or my performance before the result. I hate this game but I love the fight.”

Mullins has moved to a 7-3 record in the UFC since her debut in 2023.

In tonight’s main event, Manuel Cape ended a decade-long wait for revenge when he knocked out Kyoji Horiguchi in the third round of their flyweight contest.

The Angolan Portuguese, who lost to Horiguchi in 2017, is now hoping to challenge for the title against Joshua Fan.

“Kyoji is a great fighter, probably the best fighter I’ve ever fought,” Kip said.

“I want to be like him, and if I’m here in this position it’s because of Kyoji.

“One thing about me, I never give up.”