Joselyne Edwards wins by submission at UFC Houston after controversial referee call

Joselyne Edwards won against Nora Cornolle at UFC Houston on February 21, 2026. The fight ended by submission in the second round after a controversial moment where the referee did not stop the fight.
By Newsroom | UFC, MMA |

At UFC Houston, Joselyne Edwards defeated Nora Cornolle via submission in the second round. The finish came after a sequence involving a slam, unanswered ground strikes, and a rear-naked choke. This outcome has drawn attention due to questions surrounding the referee's decision to allow the bout to continue after Cornolle appeared significantly dazed.

Fight Progression and Controversy

The women's bantamweight bout between Joselyne Edwards and Nora Cornolle at UFC Houston on Saturday, February 21, 2026, culminated in a submission win for Edwards. The fight, part of the preliminary card held at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, saw a pivotal moment in the second round.

  • Round 1: The initial round saw Cornolle attempt a trip takedown, which Edwards reversed. Reports indicate Edwards held an advantage in this round, setting the stage for the second.

  • Round 2: The decisive action began with Edwards executing a well-timed takedown. Following the takedown, Edwards lifted Cornolle and slammed her back to the canvas.

  • Post-Slam Sequence: After the slam, Edwards delivered multiple unanswered ground-and-pound strikes. Commentators and reporting suggest Cornolle appeared dazed and possibly injured, particularly in her shoulder. However, referee Jacob Montalvo did not stop the fight.

  • Submission: Cornolle eventually attempted to return to her feet, during which Edwards capitalized by securing her back and applying a rear-naked choke. Cornolle tapped out at 2:44 of the second round.

Fighter Status Post-Fight

Following the submission, Nora Cornolle was observed to be "out of sorts" and appeared to be favoring her shoulder. She was unable to participate in the official result announcement. Reports indicate she sustained a shoulder injury during the fight. Joselyne Edwards, who was a betting favorite for the rematch, avenged a prior loss to Cornolle, making their series record 1-1.

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Referee's Decision Under Scrutiny

The primary point of contention in the aftermath of the fight centers on referee Jacob Montalvo's judgment. Despite Cornolle appearing incapacitated by Edwards' slam and subsequent strikes, the bout was permitted to continue. This decision has been characterized by some as "negligent officiating" and a "blunder," leading to the continuation of the fight until the submission.

Fight Details

DetailInformation
EventUFC Houston
DateSaturday, February 21, 2026
VenueToyota Center, Houston, Texas
Weight ClassWomen's Bantamweight
WinnerJoselyne Edwards
MethodSubmission (Rear-Naked Choke)
Round2
Time2:44
RefereeJacob Montalvo
Cornolle InjurySuspected shoulder injury.

Analysis of Officiating

The continuation of a fight where a competitor appears unable to defend themselves is a critical aspect of mixed martial arts officiating. The Unified Rules of MMA mandate that a referee must stop a contest when a fighter is being rendered unconscious or is unable to intelligently defend themselves. In this instance, the extended period of unanswered strikes following the slam has led to questions about whether the referee adequately protected Cornolle.

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  • Ground Strikes: The duration and nature of the ground-and-pound, especially when a fighter is visibly dazed, are key factors in assessing the referee's actions.

  • Fighter Recovery: Did Cornolle show sufficient recovery to continue, or was the referee's perception of her state at odds with her actual condition?

  • Safety Protocols: The incident highlights the inherent risks in combat sports and the paramount importance of referee intervention to prevent unnecessary damage.

Conclusion

Joselyne Edwards achieved a decisive victory over Nora Cornolle at UFC Houston through a submission finish. The bout's conclusion, however, is overshadowed by a controversial non-stoppage by referee Jacob Montalvo after Cornolle appeared to be in distress following a slam and subsequent strikes. This incident raises questions about officiating standards and fighter safety. Cornolle sustained an injury, reportedly to her shoulder, during the sequence. The fight advances Edwards' record and marks a rematch victory for her.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who won the fight between Joselyne Edwards and Nora Cornolle at UFC Houston on February 21, 2026?
Joselyne Edwards won the fight against Nora Cornolle at UFC Houston on February 21, 2026. She won by submission using a rear-naked choke in the second round.
Q: Why is the fight between Joselyne Edwards and Nora Cornolle at UFC Houston considered controversial?
The fight is controversial because referee Jacob Montalvo did not stop the fight after Joselyne Edwards slammed Nora Cornolle and landed unanswered strikes. Cornolle appeared dazed and possibly injured, but the fight continued until the submission.
Q: What happened to Nora Cornolle after the slam and strikes in the second round at UFC Houston?
After the slam and strikes from Joselyne Edwards, Nora Cornolle appeared dazed and was unable to defend herself well. She later tapped out due to a rear-naked choke and was seen favoring her shoulder, suggesting a possible injury.
Q: What was the final result and time of the submission in the Joselyne Edwards vs. Nora Cornolle fight at UFC Houston?
Joselyne Edwards submitted Nora Cornolle with a rear-naked choke at 2:44 of the second round. This gave Edwards the victory at UFC Houston on February 21, 2026.
Q: Where and when did the UFC Houston fight between Joselyne Edwards and Nora Cornolle take place?
The fight between Joselyne Edwards and Nora Cornolle took place at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, on Saturday, February 21, 2026. It was part of the preliminary card.