Carol Foro and Gigi Canuto delivered an entertaining back-and-forth battle to open UFC Vegas 120, with Foro surviving a late submission scare to secure her first UFC victory.

Both strawweights were making their promotional debuts, with Foro finally getting her chance nearly a year after earning a UFC contract on Dana White’s Contender Series. Canuto stepped in on short notice after recently competing on The Ultimate Fighter 34.

“Anabelle” established herself on the feet early, chopping at Canuto’s lead leg while mixing punches to the head and body. Canuto opted to trade, but Foro’s pressure and volume proved difficult to handle. A left hook briefly stunned her, and Carol Foro closed the round with another strong flurry.

Canuto changed tactics in the second, securing a takedown and quickly taking Foro’s back. She locked in a body triangle and hunted for a rear-naked choke while landing ground-and-pound. Foro survived the danger, allowing her to enter the third round with the fight still within reach.

“Diamond” continued pursuing takedowns in the final frame but struggled to keep Carol Foro down. Foro fired back with combinations and elbows, only for Canuto to eventually secure another takedown and nearly finish the fight with a fully extended armbar. Foro escaped, and both women traded until the final bell.

“Anabelle” ultimately earned the unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring it 29-28 in her favor. The victory at UFC Vegas 120 moved the Brazilian to 10-1 and extended her winning streak to eight fights, while Canuto showed plenty of promise despite accepting the fight on short notice.