Vieira rides grappling to spoil Zingano's return from lengthy layoff

The "0" on Ketlen Vieira's record remains intact.

Thanks to a handful of takedowns and some smothering top control, the 26-year-old bantamweight thwarted Cat Zingano's designs on a triumphant return from a 20-month layoff and preserved her pristine 10-fight record with a split decision victory Saturday at UFC 222 in Las Vegas.

Vieira walked Zingano down and often countered her on the way in to open the contest, and while the latter was the first to score a takedown, it was the Brazilian who parlayed it into any semblance of control, ending Round 1 in dominant position - albeit without inflicting much damage.

The undefeated Vieira wasted no time bringing - or rather, slamming - Zingano to the mat in the second, transitioning from the toss right into full mount. Zingano managed to avoid giving up her back, but still remained pinned while Vieira kept busy by peppering her with shots to extend her lead on points.

Zingano came out slinging the overhand rights and high kicks that had sporadically hit pay dirt during the earlier rounds to open the final frame, but appeared to injure her leg during the onslaught, with Vieira rushing in for a trip takedown in response. More of the same ensued, as the Brazilian blanketed the returning vet, and while Zingano eventually made it back to her feet and got back to throwing heat, only one of three judges deemed her efforts enough for the W.

The 35-year-old Zingano - a former women's bantamweight title challenger - has now lost three straight after kicking off her career with nine consecutive victories.