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Women’s Flyweights

Tereza Bleda (6-1, 0-1 UFC) vs. Gabriella Fernandes (8-2, 0-1 UFC)

ODDS: Bleda (-245), Fernandes (+205)

Flyweight prospects look to rebound from disappointing UFC debuts in this pairing. Fernandes looked like a talent who could immediately make some hay in the UFC. The Brazilian has a solid frame for the division and an impressive striking game, mostly built around a kick-heavy approach that has showcased an impressive sense of range. However, her UFC debut, a February loss to Jasmine Jasudavicius, exposed some realities. While Fernandes had enough grappling skill to keep the Canadian honest, her defensive wrestling is quite questionable and prevented her from getting much done in a decision loss. That makes for an interesting clash against Bleda. As a 21-year-old with a hulking frame for the division, Bleda likely is not long for the flyweight division, but she puts her physical advantages to good use as a grinding wrestler. That led her to an impressive level of success against currently surging prospect Natalia Silva in Bleda’s debut in November. Even so, Silva put in enough work to tire Bleda out badly, leaving the then-newcomer open for a brutal knockout in the third round. This is the type of fight that could go either way on paper but could prove to be quite one-sided in practice. Either Bleda can get her hands on the Brazilian and grind out a win, or Fernandes brings enough speed to her striking or shows enough grappling acumen to tire out the Czech Republic export and take over the fight. The bet is on the latter, though this is still anyone’s guess. The pick is Fernandes via decision.

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