Wales’ Cory McKenna Makes UFC History With Stunning Debut Victory In Las Vegas

By Gareth James

Cory ‘Poppins’ McKenna made a stunning UFC debut in Las Vegas with a historic victory.

The 21-year-old from Cwmbran beat California’s Kay Hansen by unanimous decision in the strawweight division.

McKenna was the first Welsh woman to fight in the UFC series.

Cory McKenna lands a punch on Kay Hansen in Las Vegas. Pic: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

The three judges gave her the decision 29-28 after a physical battle with her fellow 21-year-old.

Over the three rounds, the newcomer showed impressed with an array of shots while also being able to stay out of trouble when both fighters were on the ground.

“I thought I did enough,” McKenna said. “Kay’s an amazing fighter. It was a great fight. I expected the best version of her coming into it.”

McKenna earned her spot following her dominant performance against Vanessa Demopoulos on Dana White’s Contender Series in August.

That victory earned her a contract with the biggest MMA promotion in the world and the dual honour of becoming the youngest Brit and first Welsh female in the UFC.

#UFCVegas14 Official Scorecard: Hansen vs McKenna

More Scorecards: https://t.co/oVzPFHBLgb pic.twitter.com/iHqGP5R9Je

— UFC News (@UFCNews) November 15, 2020

Hansen is also regarded as one of the upcoming stars of UFC having won on her debut.

But McKenna came through her debut with a superb performance to claim the win.