Kiwi flyweight Charlene Watt put in a gutsy performance against Rin Nakai at Pancrase 282 on Sunday before losing via TKO in the second round.
Watt answered a late-notice opportunity to fight the former UFC fighter, who is also the current Pancrase women’s bantamweight champion, after Brazilian fighter Priscila de Souza was forced off the card. The encounter took place in the co-main event and was a non-title fight in the flyweight division.
The opening two minutes of the bout was contested on the feet. Watt came forward from the opening bell, backing Nakai up with pawing jabs, left hooks and leg kicks. Nakai looked content to counter with punches and began to land with solid leg kicks before easily taking the Kiwi to the canvas and gaining mount. There, the stocky Japanese fighter really went to town dropping heavy elbows and short punches. Watt did well to cover up, her only option from off of her back with Nakai controlling the position well. With seconds left in the round, Nakai secured the arm of Watt working for an arm bar. Watt circled out nicely however and was able to escape right on the buzzer.
Sporting a swollen black eye to begin the second frame, Watt resumed her striking attack on Nakai before once again she found herself on her back with Nakai in mount. Nakai continued the punishment from top position, landing hard short shots before the referee stepped in and waved it off with one minute and seventeen seconds remaining in the round.
It was the second consecutive loss for the Kiwi after she found herself on the wrong side of the judges’ scorecards against Faith Van Duin at Brace 41. Prior to the pair of setbacks, Watt (6-3) was enjoying an impressive six-fight win streak which saw her capture the Princesses of Pain and XFC Australia flyweight titles.
Nakai (18-2) is now 2-0 after going 0-2 in the UFC, where she was outpointed by both Miesha Tate and Leslie Smith before being released.
Pancrase 282 took place at Differ Ariake in Tokyo, Japan. The event was streamed live on UFC Fight Pass.
