UFC Houston video: Joselyne Edwards submits Nora Cornolle after strange non-stoppage
MMA Fighting
February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Joselyne Edwards delivered a decisive victory over Nora Cornolle at UFC Houston, securing a hard-fought submission win that avenged her previous loss to Cornolle. The bantamweight bout was marked by controversy as Edwards capitalized on a late stoppage following a brutal slam and ground-and-pound. Despite Cornolle appearing dazed and potentially injured after the impact, referee Jacob Montalvo initially allowed the fight to continue, drawing criticism for his delayed intervention. The final stoppage came at 2:44 into Round 2, with Edwards locking in a rear-naked choke for the finish. Cornolle was visibly impaired afterward, favoring her shoulder and unable to join the post-fight announcement.
The fight was the second meeting between the two fighters, with Cornolle having won their first encounter at UFC Paris in September 2023. This time, Edwards turned the tables with a dominant performance, showcasing her improved skills and resilience. Known for her aggressive style and tenacity, "La Pantera" has now won four straight fights by knockout or submission, solidifying her position as a rising contender in the bantamweight division.
Edwards' journey to this victory was far from smooth. She had previously struggled with weight-cutting issues and inconsistencies in her career, which added context to her hard-fought climb back to prominence. Her ability to overcome these challenges has earned her recognition as a dark horse contender at 135 pounds. The outcome of this rematch not only cemented her reputation but also highlighted the importance of officiating decisions in high-stakes MMA bouts.
The controversial refereeing decision became a central topic of discussion, with many questioning Montalvo's delay in stopping the fight after Edwards' violent slam and subsequent ground attacks. While some speculated that Cornolle might have been injured, others criticized the referee for not intervening sooner to protect the fighter. This incident underscored the delicate balance referees must strike between allowing fighters to compete and ensuring their safety.
Edwards' post-fight sportsmanship further endeared her to fans as she checked on Cornolle before exiting the cage, despite the intense rivalry. The outcome of this high-stakes rematch not only showcased Edwards' skill and determination but also reignited debates about
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Originally published on MMA Fighting on 2/22/2026