Barbosa secures first-round submission to extend UFC winning streak at Oklahoma City

Dione Barbosa extended her winning streak within the UFC, securing a first-round submission victory against Anna Melisano at UFC Fight Night 281. The bout, which served as the opening contest of the event, concluded at the 4:04 mark of the first round when Barbosa applied a standing rear-naked choke.

The result marks the first two-fight winning streak of Barbosa’s tenure with the organisation. Entering the contest with a professional mixed martial arts record of 10-4 and a UFC record of 4-2, the Brazilian fighter had experienced an inconsistent period in her career prior to this performance. This victory halts that trend and solidifies her standing within the division.

Her opponent, Anna Melisano, made her octagon debut in May 2024 and entered the bout with a professional record of 6-2 and a UFC record of 0-1. Barbosa delivered a decisive grappling performance, controlling the fight from the outset and forcing the submission finish. The replay of the victory was subsequently shared by UFC on Paramount+ via X on July 18, 2026.

Barbosa, who was the No. 1 pick on the current season of "The Ultimate Fighter" reality series but did not win the competition, expressed satisfaction with the outcome in her post-fight interview with Daniel Cormier. She emphasised her readiness to perform regardless of the opponent or location, stating her happiness at being in Oklahoma City.

The event took place at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City on July 18, 2026. While official result lines in some reports referenced an "Alice Melisano," the primary narrative and broadcast details consistently identify the opponent as Anna Melisano, who suffered her first loss in the octagon.