Melissa Croden defeated Darya Zheleznyakova by unanimous decision with all three judges scoring it 29-28 at UFC Winnipeg. The victory returns Croden to the win column, improving her record to 8-3 after a loss in December. Notably, this was Croden's first-ever decision win, as her previous seven victories all came by finish—six knockouts and one submission. Zheleznyakova drops to 10-3 overall and 2-2 in the UFC with the defeat.
Melissa Croden earned her first career decision victory at UFC Winnipeg, defeating Darya Zheleznyakova by unanimous decision with all three judges scoring the bout 29-28.
The win snaps a losing streak for Croden, who had suffered a defeat in December. Now 8-3, the 35-year-old orthodox striker had built her entire previous winning record on finishes — six knockouts and one submission across seven victories — making this three-round decision a notable first in her professional career. Standing five-foot-nine with a 68-inch reach, Croden lands 4.1 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy, and she also contributes on the ground with 1.02 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Zheleznyakova falls to 10-3 overall with the defeat, leaving her at 2-2 inside the UFC. The loss is a setback for a fighter who had shown promise at the start of her promotional run but now sits at the .500 mark through four octagon appearances.
Why it matters
- Croden's return to the win column halts any downward momentum after her December loss and reestablishes her as a factor in the division.
- Going the distance for the first time shows a new dimension to Croden's game beyond her established finishing ability.
- Zheleznyakova's 2-2 UFC record puts added pressure on her next outing, as another loss would raise serious questions about her roster standing.
