Preview: UFC Fight Night 226 Prelims

Women’s Bantamweights

Joselyne Edwards (13-4, 4-2 UFC) vs. Nora Cornolle (6-1, 0-0 UFC)

ODDS: Edwards (-112), Cornolle (-108)

Edwards is a frustrating fighter, but she has been surprisingly able to find results over the last year and a half. A standout athlete, Panama’s “La Pantera” made her UFC debut with an engaging win over Yanan Wu, but one-sided losses to Karol Rosa and Jessica-Rose Clark exposed Edwards’ somewhat aimless approach, suggesting she could not ride her physical talent to any sort of consistent success. However, Edwards has done nothing but win since, even if there are two controversial decision victories in her current three-fight winning streak. Her wrestling still leaves a lot to be desired, but Edwards has fought behind a range kicking attack that has at least kept her safe, even if she could sometimes be better served turning up the pace. She will look to turn back a French newcomer in Cornolle, who is an interesting entrant into the UFC women’s bantamweight division. Thus far, Cornolle has proven to be a physical force with some knockout power and a terror in the clinch. With that said, there are some questions as to how well Cornolle’s game holds up over multiple rounds. She has flagged a bit after some hot starts, and her margin for error in later rounds might vanish against better competition. Cornolle could just storm Edwards for an early finish, but the lean is that the Panamanian is tough enough to survive early and coast to a win after her adversary starts to fade, even if it might not be all that impressive to watch. The pick is Edwards via decision.

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