Career Averages - Chelsea Chandler
Career Averages - Josiane Nunes
Chelsea Chandler - Fight History
The host picks Cachoeira but is hesitant, noting that both fighters are on the chopping block and neither has looked good lately. He acknowledges that if Chandler wrestles hard she could win, but on the feet Cachoeira is tough and comes forward with heavy hands. He says he doesn't feel convicted on either side.
AJ picks Cachoeira by knockout, citing her heavy hands and Chandler's apparent durability issues after weight cut. He notes Chandler looked skinny at weigh-ins and was knocked out by Joselyn Edwards. AJ expects Cachoeira to land a big shot early, possibly a shovel uppercut, and finish in round one.
Angelo picks Chelsea Chandler, reasoning that she will use her size and strength to push Priscila Cachoeira against the cage and take her down. He notes that Cachoeira has no ground skills and actively works against herself on the ground. He expects Chandler to win by being the 'Jolly Green Giant' and landing on top, possibly finding a finish.
Big Brady picks Priscila Cachoeira to win by second round knockout. He admits bias but argues that Chelsea Chandler doesn't like getting hit and has poor striking defense, while Cachoeira hits hard and is tough. He worries about Cachoeira's ground game but thinks she can avoid being on her back long enough to land a knockout.
Both fighters are chinny and not the best, but Priscila Cachoeira is more aggressive and goes all out for a knockout. Chelsea Chandler has declined since her win over Julia Stoliarenko four years ago, losing to Norma Dumont and Joselyne Edwards. Cachoeira is expected to chin Chandler early.
Cody picks Cachoeira as a dog, noting Chandler's poor weight cuts and suspect chin. He believes Cachoeira's pressure and durability could overwhelm Chandler. He calls it a 50/50 fight and prefers the plus money.
Priscila Cachoeira is picked but with low confidence. She has power in her hands, but her wrestling is a weakness. Chelsea Chandler should wrestle but may not. The host is unsure if Chandler will implement her game plan or get knocked out. Cachoeira is predictable but could land a knockout.
Cachoeira has better striking power and should be able to stuff Chandler's takedowns. Chandler's wrestling isn't at a level to control Cachoeira. Cachoeira wins a decision, as her power has diminished but she can outpoint Chandler.
Lucrative James picks Chelsea Chandler reluctantly, citing her grappling upside as the deciding factor. He acknowledges both fighters are aging and the fight is low-level, but believes Chandler can win via KO ground and pound in round 2. He notes Priscila Cachoeira's power and experience but thinks Chandler's ability to win on the feet or ground gives her an edge.
Chandler's grappling is the key; she should be able to take Cachoeira down and dominate from top position. Cachoeira has knockout power but poor takedown defense and is 37 years old. Chandler likely finishes by submission, and the under 2.5 rounds at +100 is a good bet.
Paul picks Chandler but is hesitant, noting she should use wrestling to control Cachoeira. He acknowledges Cachoeira's toughness and Chandler's weight issues. He is not betting the fight but leans Chandler on fight IQ.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chelsea Chandler | 0 | 10 of 23 | 43% | 11 of 24 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Joselyne Edwards | 0 | 30 of 42 | 71% | 35 of 47 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:49 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chelsea Chandler | 0 | 10 of 23 | 43% | 11 of 24 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Joselyne Edwards | 0 | 30 of 42 | 71% | 35 of 47 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:49 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chelsea Chandler | 10 of 23 | 43% | 6 of 17 | 2 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 9 of 21 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Joselyne Edwards | 30 of 42 | 71% | 14 of 23 | 3 of 5 | 13 of 14 | 27 of 39 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chelsea Chandler | 10 of 23 | 43% | 6 of 17 | 2 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 9 of 21 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Joselyne Edwards | 30 of 42 | 71% | 14 of 23 | 3 of 5 | 13 of 14 | 27 of 39 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Edwards (-298), Chandler (+240)
Round 1
After some fight fans got a week off—at least from the UFC—the slate starts to roll on again. We start this cycle in an arena show, with the audience at the T-Mobile Center early in Kansas City ready to rock. A whole 14 fights are on the long slate tonight, and action begins in the women’s bantamweight division featuring two ladies most expected would miss weight and be required to compete at a catchweight or the nonexistent featherweight category. Both Chandler (6-3, 2-2 UFC) and Edwards (14-6, 5-4 UFC) have things under control for this April outing, and referee Zach Teiberis will join them in the cage to make things official. The women do not bump fists before engaging, and it’s time for some action. Edwards takes to the center of the stage and starts firing off kicks to the lead leg and side. Chandler tosses one or two back, but Edwards are starting to have an impact. Chandler looks to tie her foe up, and Edwards takes advantage of the body lock and trips the Californian out to plant her on her back. “La Pantera” lands in half guard, and Chandler holds on tight to not allow her to get off much offense. Chandler scoots to the fence and pushes Edwards off, but she waits for Teiberis to give her a stand-up. Edwards lets her up, and she gets right in her face with fists and a heavy kick to the ribs. Chandler rebounds off the fence after eating a punch salvo, with Edwards firmly in the driver’s seat in the first two minutes. Edwards times a right hand over the top when Chandler throws a naked kick, and Edwards lines up a chain of punches that had Chandler’s curiosity and quickly gain her attention.
Chandler standing straight up against the fence, Edwards opens up with a couple right hooks, and it is a bomb of a left hand that separates Chandler from her senses. Chandler hits the deck, and Edwards pounces, knowing her work here is about to be done. Notching her first knockout victory since 2020, Edwards finishes the job with a slew of hammerfists that force Teiberis to wave the fight off.
This was one-way traffic for the favored Panamanian, who dominantly placed the Cesar Gracie Jiu-Jitsu on her first career losing streak in just over half a round.
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The Official Result
Joselyne Edwards def. Chelsea Chandler R1 2:31 via TKO (Punches)
Angelo picks Joselyne Edwards because she is the better fighter overall, with superior kickboxing, range management, and improving takedown defense. He notes that Chelsea Chandler is enormous and strong but slow and lumbering, and he doubts she can simply overpower Joselyn. He mentions that Joselyn was -190, then -210, now -220, and he has her in a parlay.
Big Brady is confident in Joselyne Edwards, citing her striking advantage and Chelsea Chandler's tendency to be a punching bag. He notes Edwards' takedown defense has improved, though she has been taken down in the past. He expects Edwards to stuff takedowns and win a decision, as Chandler is not a threat on the feet.
The host acknowledges Chandler's physicality but believes Edwards' technical advantages will allow her to land combinations and head kicks from distance, leading to a decision win.
The MMA Guru picks Joselyne Edwards, citing her technical striking, reach advantage, and experience with 20 pro fights compared to Chandler's 9. He notes Edwards' counter-wrestling and range management, and expects her to outstrike Chandler to a 29-28 decision. He mentions that judges are increasingly scoring damage over grappling, which favors Edwards.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yana Santos | 1 | 94 of 135 | 69% | 135 of 186 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:00 |
| Chelsea Chandler | 0 | 56 of 124 | 45% | 73 of 152 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 2:41 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yana Santos | 0 | 33 of 44 | 75% | 38 of 50 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Chelsea Chandler | 0 | 14 of 40 | 35% | 16 of 44 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:27 | |
| 2 | Yana Santos | 1 | 33 of 48 | 68% | 39 of 58 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:35 |
| Chelsea Chandler | 0 | 17 of 34 | 50% | 24 of 46 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:22 | |
| 3 | Yana Santos | 0 | 28 of 43 | 65% | 58 of 78 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:23 |
| Chelsea Chandler | 0 | 25 of 50 | 50% | 33 of 62 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:52 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yana Santos | 94 of 135 | 69% | 30 of 58 | 38 of 50 | 26 of 27 | 58 of 94 | 36 of 41 | 0 of 0 |
| Chelsea Chandler | 56 of 124 | 45% | 31 of 90 | 25 of 34 | 0 of 0 | 29 of 88 | 27 of 36 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yana Santos | 33 of 44 | 75% | 10 of 19 | 11 of 12 | 12 of 13 | 24 of 35 | 9 of 9 | 0 of 0 |
| Chelsea Chandler | 14 of 40 | 35% | 9 of 31 | 5 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 30 | 6 of 10 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Yana Santos | 33 of 48 | 68% | 12 of 21 | 12 of 18 | 9 of 9 | 21 of 34 | 12 of 14 | 0 of 0 |
| Chelsea Chandler | 17 of 34 | 50% | 10 of 27 | 7 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 12 of 28 | 5 of 6 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Yana Santos | 28 of 43 | 65% | 8 of 18 | 15 of 20 | 5 of 5 | 13 of 25 | 15 of 18 | 0 of 0 |
| Chelsea Chandler | 25 of 50 | 50% | 12 of 32 | 13 of 18 | 0 of 0 | 9 of 30 | 16 of 20 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Santos (-142), Chandler (+120)
Round 1
Action heads back to the women’s bantamweight division, where Santos (14-8, 4-5 UFC) collides with an overweight Chandler (6-2, 2-1 UFC). The 30-year-old Chandler tipped the scales at 141 pounds—a whopping five pounds over the bantamweight limit. Herb Dean handles the officiating duties. Santos takes the center of the cage against the southpaw. She lands a kick across both legs. Side kick to the lead leg from Santos. She follows punches with another leg kick. Definite difference in class of fighter so far. Chandler steps forward punches and looks to clinch. Santos shrugs it off. Leg kick from Santos, then another. Chandler counters with a straight left. Body kick from Santos. Chandler bobs and weaves on the outside, as the action stalls. Santos steps into a push kick to the face, then crashes into the clinch. Chandler turns her into the fence. Santos breaks free and cuts loose with punches. Ninety seconds left. Chandler pumps out a range-finding jab. Santos delivers a nice kick to the body. Pace slows again. Another body kick from Santos. Chandler flurries, connects with a left and clinches along the cage. She goes nowhere and separates. Body kick from Santos, followed by a spinning back kick upstairs. She closes with an inside low kick.
Sherdog Scores
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Santos
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Santos
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Santos
Round 2
Chandler charges out to the center of the cage and eats a pair of punches. Santos floors her with a right hand, then hammers the legs with kicks with Chandler in the butt scoot position. Dean restarts them standing. Head kick from Santos, followed by a one-two and another push kick to the face. Chandler absorbs another leg kick. Santos steps into an inside leg kick, resets in open space and scores with a leg kick. Too much speed and skill for Chandler, who simply cannot plug all the holes in her game. She bullies her way into the clinch. Santos breaks free. No change to the narrative midway through the round. Santos connects with a short-range knee to the body, engages Chandler in the clinch, lands an elbow and turns her to the fence. She lands an elbow off the break. Santos superior at range and in the clinch. Chandler looks to close the distance behind a straight left. No luck. Santos unleashes a kick to the head in open space, then another. Chandler scores with a right hand over the top. Santos lands an axe kick to the collar bone. They finish the round in the clinch.
Sherdog Scores
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Santos
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Santos
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Santos
Round 3
Santos circles on the outside to start Round 3. Leg kick from Santos. Chandler again crashes into the clinch along the fence and works knees to the legs and body. Santos avoids a trip and connects with an elbow for breaking free. Chandler walks Santos into a chopping right hand over the top. Santos answers with a body kick. Inside leg kick from Santos, who circles on the outside. Chandler initiates the clinch, throws a knee to the body and tries to bottle up Santos along the fence. Santos breaks free without much trouble. Chandler swarms with punches. Santos responds with a close-quarters knee to the gut, then another. Chandler seems to be out of ideas. Push kick to the face from Santos. She follows with a side kick to the chest. Just too many weapons. Ninety seconds on the clock. Chandler stalks forward and eats a left hand over the top. Once again, they find their way into the clinch. They trade knees. Santos escapes into open space. Chandler follows left hands into the clinch. Action stalls. Push kick to the face from Santos. Chandler hammers away to the body with both hands but runs out of time.
Sherdog Scores
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Santos (30-27 Santos)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Santos (30-27 Santos)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Santos (30-27 Santos)
The Official Result
Yana Santos def. Chelsea Chandler—Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo picks Chelsea Chandler based on size and power, expecting her to slow down the pace, lean on Santos, and hold her against the cage. He admits Santos is the better technical fighter but is on a three-fight skid and might be phoning it in. He warns that confidence is very low and advises not to bet heavily on this pick.
Cody picks Santos but with low confidence, citing her poor takedown defense (42%) and Chandler's grappling. He thinks Santos can win rounds 2 and 3 if she keeps it standing, and suggests live betting if she loses the first round. He notes the fight likely goes to decision and judges may favor activity.
Santos has a significant experience advantage and is better in the clinch, where the fight will likely be won. Chandler is raw on the feet and open to counters. Santos should land better damage and win a split decision, though Chandler's physical strength could cause problems.
Paul leans slightly to Santos due to her volume striking, but acknowledges low confidence. He expects a split decision and notes Chandler's grappling could control early rounds. He suggests a split decision prop as a good play.
The MMA Guru picks Chelsea Chandler, citing her commitment to the game and size/strength advantage over Yana Santos. He does not provide detailed technical breakdown but expresses confidence in Chandler's physical attributes.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chelsea Chandler | 0 | 47 of 105 | 44% | 49 of 108 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:26 |
| Josiane Nunes | 0 | 58 of 130 | 44% | 100 of 176 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 7:02 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chelsea Chandler | 0 | 13 of 32 | 40% | 15 of 35 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:26 |
| Josiane Nunes | 0 | 20 of 40 | 50% | 29 of 53 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:27 | |
| 2 | Chelsea Chandler | 0 | 9 of 13 | 69% | 9 of 13 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Josiane Nunes | 0 | 15 of 33 | 45% | 46 of 64 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 4:11 | |
| 3 | Chelsea Chandler | 0 | 25 of 60 | 41% | 25 of 60 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Josiane Nunes | 0 | 23 of 57 | 40% | 25 of 59 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:24 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chelsea Chandler | 47 of 105 | 44% | 37 of 85 | 9 of 19 | 1 of 1 | 43 of 101 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Josiane Nunes | 58 of 130 | 44% | 43 of 107 | 13 of 21 | 2 of 2 | 43 of 106 | 2 of 3 | 13 of 21 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chelsea Chandler | 13 of 32 | 40% | 7 of 25 | 5 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 10 of 29 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Josiane Nunes | 20 of 40 | 50% | 14 of 32 | 6 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 13 of 29 | 2 of 3 | 5 of 8 | |
| 2 | Chelsea Chandler | 9 of 13 | 69% | 9 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 12 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Josiane Nunes | 15 of 33 | 45% | 13 of 29 | 1 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 7 of 20 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 13 | |
| 3 | Chelsea Chandler | 25 of 60 | 41% | 21 of 47 | 4 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 25 of 60 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Josiane Nunes | 23 of 57 | 40% | 16 of 46 | 6 of 10 | 1 of 1 | 23 of 57 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Nunes (-135), Chandler (+114)
Round 1
The second catchweight affair comes next, as ex-featherweight Chandler (5-2, 1-1 UFC) could not quite reach the 136-pound limit, clocking in a pound heavy and giving up 20% of her purse to her opponent. Also a featherweight in the past, the 5-foot-2 Nunes (10-1, 3-0 UFC) had no issue making weight. There will be a size disparity in the cage, and referee Chris Tognoni will make sure nothing problematic comes from it. Nunes is intense and has no interest in touching gloves, and she walks out of her corner calm as a cucumber while knowing it is about to get messy. Nunes slowly moves forward, until she lets her hands go. Nunes clubs Chandler on the side of the head with a huge left hand in the midst of a combination, and she draws Chandler into an early brawl. Nunes gets the better of the exchange to force Chandler to separate and strafe to the side, and Nunes gives chase and engages another slugfest. Chandler takes a few shots and ties the Brazilian up, but it does not take long for the shorter Nunes to turn her around perhaps thanks to her lower center of gravity. Nunes gets off a high knee, and she breaks off and just misses taking a hard elbow. Nunes swarms her opponent with a flurry of punches, clipping Chandler on the temple with a wild left. Chandler backs off and moves away from the small ball of power and fury, but Nunes catches up with her. Chandler attempts to slow her down again, clinching up and setting up a trip on the outside. Chandler succeeds in tripping Nunes to the mat, where she imposes her body weight on top of the slugger. Nunes tries to kick off, and Chandler opens up with a few punches. Nunes sets up a high guard, and she hacks with elbows while not letting Chandler throw much else. Nunes looks to lift one leg up high to set up a potential triangle, and she goes all the way over with her legs to hook up an armbar. Chandler lifts her up in the air and powerbombs her down, and Nunes lets it go instead of letting it sink it deeper. Chandler connects with several punches, and Nunes fights her way back up and absorbs a risky body kick on the way. Nunes lashes out with a blitz of punches, knocking Chandler back until Chandler stands her ground and fires back. The two measure one another with power strikes until the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Nunes
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Nunes
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Nunes
Round 2
Nunes loads up on vicious punches as soon as the round begins, and she stings Chandler in a flurry of blows. Nunes knocks Chandler down to a knee, and Chandler works her way back up. Nunes backs Chandler up again, laying into her with fiery fists, and Chandler swings back with bad intentions including a few body kicks. Nunes’ punches smash Chandler’s nose wide open, and blood leaks out of both nostrils. As they both trade, Nunes considers a level change, but Chandler tackles her over and shifts to full mount. Nunes turns to her side while maintaining wrist control, and Chandler takes her back and gets both hooks in. Nunes turns in an effort to escape, and Chandler follows her every step of the way to remain on top, although no longer in dominant position. Chandler opens up with a few strikes but would prefer to remain in top control, and Nunes closes her guard around the waist. Chandler slams a few elbows down to stay busy, dishing out damage as time ticks off the clock. Nunes hangs on tight to prevent any serious offense from mounting, as a small cut on the bridge of her nose drips blood into her eye. Chandler winds up with a few more elbows, and she stands back up with seconds to go before the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Chandler
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Chandler
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Chandler
Round 3
The last round kicks off with a body kick from the American. Nunes ducks down, swinging a right hand to the body, but she misses. Chandler digs another kick to the ribs, prompting Nunes to load up with a left hand that gets Chandler’s attention. Nunes unloads another overhand left, and she forces Chandler to retreat with her surge of punches. Chandler uses jabs to keep her distance until Nunes charges her, and the Brazilian’s strikes land as Chandler keeps moving. Nunes walks through a body kick and rocks Chandler with a left hook. Chandler bites down on her mouthpiece and slings back, and Nunes racks her again with a massive left. Chandler tries to tie her up with a clinch, and Nunes shakes her off and resets so she can race forward swinging her mighty fists. Chandler turns away from an exchange, and she gets to the center of the cage and sticks out a jab. Nunes passes the jab so she can wing her left, and her momentum allows Chandler to grab hold of her and slow her down. Chandler presses her full body weight and drives a few knees to the chest, but Nunes wants to break and throw hands. Nunes smacks her foe with a few more punches, and Chandler still has some bounce on her feet as she moves. Nunes connects with two heavy left hands, and Chandler tanks them and is no worse for wear. Nunes crowds her with a swarm of punches, and Chandler turns her back and lifts up a back kick that smacks into Nunes’ cheek. Nunes darts forward, leading with her left, and she gets driven back by a front kick to the ribs. Nunes continues to spam her left, and Chandler eats it like a slice of avocado toast and remains in the fight. Chandler pokes out a jab and starts taunting her opponent, who responds by punching her square in the face. Nunes leaps forward with two left hooks, and the fight ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Nunes (29-28 Nunes)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Nunes (29-28 Nunes)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Nunes (29-28 Nunes)
The Official Result
Chelsea Chandler def. Josiane Nunes via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo argues that Nunes looked worse in her last fight (barely beating a 40-year-old) than Chandler did (losing to a top-five opponent). He thinks Chandler is tough, powerful, and will be giant in this fight. He notes the over 2.5 rounds line is only -120 and expects a decision, as both are tough and Nunes is not a finisher. He may bet on Chandler if she becomes an even bigger dog, and also consider the over.
Big Brady picks Josiane Nunes to win by decision, but is not confident. He notes Nunes' size disadvantage but thinks her striking and power will be enough if she stuffs takedowns. He does not trust either fighter and will not bet on this fight.
Cody picks Chelsea Chandler, citing her size and physicality advantage. He notes Nunes is one-dimensional with an overhand left and has been taken down by lesser wrestlers. He expects Chandler to use her ground game and win by decision, but warns about Chandler's weight cut to 135 lbs.
The host sees this as striker vs grappler, with Chandler being much bigger and stronger. He expects Chandler to use her strength to bully Nunes against the cage, drag her to the ground, and assert top pressure to open up a TKO opportunity.
Paul also leans toward Chandler, noting Nunes will be dwarfed. He compares Nunes to a female version of Ilir Latifi, with no neck and a one-dimensional style. He thinks Chandler can press her against the cage and make it ugly, but emphasizes the weigh-ins are important for both fighters.
The Guru picks Josiane Nunes by TKO in round two. He notes Chandler's poor standup, throwing punches with eyes closed, and that Nunes has wicked power. He believes the bantamweight weight class favors Nunes, and that Chandler is too open on the feet. He references Chandler's loss to Norma Dumont where she looked lost.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norma Dumont | 0 | 47 of 76 | 61% | 98 of 141 | 3 of 3 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 8:58 |
| Chelsea Chandler | 0 | 22 of 61 | 36% | 72 of 124 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 2:30 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Norma Dumont | 0 | 18 of 24 | 75% | 44 of 52 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 2:24 |
| Chelsea Chandler | 0 | 8 of 20 | 40% | 31 of 51 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:20 | |
| 2 | Norma Dumont | 0 | 22 of 38 | 57% | 31 of 51 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:47 |
| Chelsea Chandler | 0 | 9 of 25 | 36% | 23 of 42 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:30 | |
| 3 | Norma Dumont | 0 | 7 of 14 | 50% | 23 of 38 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 3:47 |
| Chelsea Chandler | 0 | 5 of 16 | 31% | 18 of 31 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:40 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norma Dumont | 47 of 76 | 61% | 30 of 59 | 12 of 12 | 5 of 5 | 28 of 49 | 10 of 12 | 9 of 15 |
| Chelsea Chandler | 22 of 61 | 36% | 14 of 51 | 6 of 7 | 2 of 3 | 13 of 44 | 9 of 17 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Norma Dumont | 18 of 24 | 75% | 10 of 16 | 7 of 7 | 1 of 1 | 10 of 14 | 8 of 9 | 0 of 1 |
| Chelsea Chandler | 8 of 20 | 40% | 3 of 14 | 3 of 3 | 2 of 3 | 3 of 14 | 5 of 6 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Norma Dumont | 22 of 38 | 57% | 14 of 30 | 4 of 4 | 4 of 4 | 14 of 28 | 2 of 3 | 6 of 7 |
| Chelsea Chandler | 9 of 25 | 36% | 8 of 24 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 21 | 1 of 4 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Norma Dumont | 7 of 14 | 50% | 6 of 13 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 7 |
| Chelsea Chandler | 5 of 16 | 31% | 3 of 13 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 9 | 3 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Dumont (-140), Chandler (+120)
Round 1
Stop us if you’ve heard this one: this might be the final women’s featherweight bout in UFC history. This next bout will officially serve as the first between ranked combatants, although neither are ranked in the division in which they are competing because there is no ranking for featherweights. Both in the top 15 at 135 pounds, little should be at stake when Dumont (9-2, 5-2 UFC) faces off against Chandler (5-1, 1-0 UFC). Bad blood has entered this matchup, and they do not touch gloves in front of referee Jacob Montalvo. While they were wild on weigh-in day, they are anything but to lead off the bout. Chandler plods forward slowly, and she reaches out with a front kick and a few jabs. Chandler backs Dumont to the fence, and Dumont suddenly springs to life, with a fierce and furious combination of punches. Chandler is stunned and worse, and she actively turns her back and sprints from one end of the cage to the other in a bizarre display. Dumont chases after her, backing her up to the wall, and Chandler gathers her thoughts and tries to fight back. Dumont get off a body kick ad she circles away, and Chandler walks her down and walks into a punch. Chandler connects with her own left hand, and they end up tied up. Chandler looks for an outside trip or some way to put Dumont to the floor, but her attempts fail as Dumont turns her around. Chandler drives a knee to the torso, and she presses her weight on her opponent to slow things to a crawl. When Chandler commits to a takedown, the Brazilian reverses her and puts Chandler on her back. Chandler utilizes a high guard in an attempt to trap Dumont, but Dumont is wise to the triangle setup and keeps her body weight squeezed down as tightly as she can. Dumont smothers her foe without getting little else going in the way of offense, grinding and wearing Chandler down. With seconds to spare, Dumont drops down a short elbow and raps Chandler on the side of the head a few times before the bell sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Dumont
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Dumont
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Dumont
Round 2
Chandler marches out of her corner willing to engage, but Dumont throw back with a vengeance to make Chandler think twice. Dumont gets off a calf kick, and she reaches out an overhand right. Chandler clips Dumont with a left hand, and her lead leg is kicked hard to make her change stances. Dumont kicks the other leg, and Chandler checks it. Chandler telegraphs a left hook, leading to a clinch when Dumont snatches her up and turns her around. Chandler breaks free and starts slugging, but she gets bopped with a one-two and her head snaps back. Chandler continues pressing forward, even coming up short in the exchanges, largely because her hands are too low and Dumont beats her to the punch. Dumont blasts her opponent in the face with a one-two, and she follows it with another as Chandler’s head movement is the kind that would force Coach Edmund to yell “head movement.” Dumont trips Chandler up and dumps her to the floor, where she falls flat on top of her and smothers again. Chandler gets put in a position where her neck is between the floor and the wall, but she still lifts her legs up high enough to potentially threaten with an armbar or a triangle choke. Dumont shucks out of it without concern and keeps top position. Chandler pushes Dumont up with her foot, and she drills her in the face with an upkick. Dumont gloms back down and imposes her weight and will, and Chandler still manages to muscle her way back up with the fence behind her. Chandler jockeys for position, turning about and leaning her shoulder on Dumont. They trade short knees to little effect, and the round ends with a push-off and a left hook from the Brazilian.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Dumont
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Dumont
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Dumont
Round 3
The two featherweights nod at one another before starting off the last round, and Dumont strikes first in the form of a one-two. Chandler bobs her head up and down, but Dumont is easily able to time her movement and smack her in the face. Dumont then rushes forward, where she goes for a double or some sort of takedown to put her foe down. Chandler turns the tables on the Brazilian, taking Dumont for a ride. Dumont stands back up, and Chandler hangs on with a standing arm-triangle choke as she leans on Dumont against the wire. Dumont ignores it, gets out of the clinch and is followed with Chandler punching towards her. Dumont uses Chandler’s momentum against her and procures a body lock takedown. Dumont lowers herself on top, and Chandler rolls for a leglock. Dumont is able to move the proper direction to shut it down entirely, to the degree that she rolls Chandler over to her knees so that she can pound on her from behind. Chandler is unable to stand back up, as Dumont shoves her back over to her side. Dumont grinds an elbow on the cheek, and she sets up an arm-triangle choke with half guard on the other side. Chandler senses it being set up and thwarts it by getting her arm between the gripping arm and her head. Dumont postures up with 45 seconds to go, slugging Chandler in the face from above. Chandler throws her legs up high for a possible armbar, and when Dumont stands up, Chandler swings upkicks at her. Dumont warily lowers herself back into the active guard, and she ends the exhausting fight in this position.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Dumont (30-27 Dumont)
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Dumont (30-27 Dumont)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Dumont (30-27 Dumont)
The Official Result
Norma Dumont def. Chelsea Chandler via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Angelo picks Chelsea Chandler for the upset, calling her the far more dangerous fighter. He notes Norma has a clear advantage in experience and fight IQ, but she got rocked by Carol Rosa, and Chelsea can do the same. He recommends betting on Chelsea wins inside the distance with decision no action, meaning if it goes to decision he gets a refund. He believes Norma is not dangerous and Chelsea is tough, so if anyone is finished, it's Norma.
Big Brady picks Chelsea Chandler, citing her aggression and dog mentality. He admits Dumont is probably the better fighter but thinks Chandler's aggressiveness will go a long way. He expects a close decision where Chandler does a little more across 15 minutes, possibly landing harder shots or getting takedowns. He calls the fight 'greasy' and says he's not betting on it.
Cody leans toward Chandler as a value play at plus money, noting Dumont's low volume and Chandler's aggressive style. He thinks Chandler lands the better shots and that the judges may favor damage and output over cage control. He acknowledges it's a 50/50 fight and prefers the plus money. He also considers the under 2.5 rounds, thinking Chandler could overwhelm Dumont early.
The host believes Dumont is the better striker and will put together solid combinations to damage Chandler. He thinks Chandler's lack of experience and raw game will be exposed, and Dumont may even get a TKO finish due to the skill gap on the feet.
Paul leans toward Chandler as an underdog, citing her bruiser style and high pace in her debut. He thinks her forward pressure and volume could overwhelm Dumont, who has low output. He notes the price is attractive at +120 and expects a close fight. He also considers the under 2.5 rounds at +180, thinking Chandler might finish early.
The MMA Guru picks Norma Dumont over Chelsea Chandler, emphasizing Dumont's proven track record against higher-level competition, including wins over Karol Rosa and a close fight with Irene Aldana. He dismisses Chandler's win over Julija Stoliarenko and notes her losses to Alexis Davis and Julia Avila. He predicts Dumont wins.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chelsea Chandler | 0 | 12 of 27 | 44% | 20 of 36 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 0:19 |
| Julija Stoliarenko | 0 | 38 of 70 | 54% | 47 of 81 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 2:05 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chelsea Chandler | 0 | 12 of 27 | 44% | 20 of 36 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 0:19 |
| Julija Stoliarenko | 0 | 38 of 70 | 54% | 47 of 81 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 2:05 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chelsea Chandler | 12 of 27 | 44% | 5 of 18 | 3 of 4 | 4 of 5 | 12 of 27 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Julija Stoliarenko | 38 of 70 | 54% | 34 of 64 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 17 of 43 | 0 of 0 | 21 of 27 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chelsea Chandler | 12 of 27 | 44% | 5 of 18 | 3 of 4 | 4 of 5 | 12 of 27 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Julija Stoliarenko | 38 of 70 | 54% | 34 of 64 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 17 of 43 | 0 of 0 | 21 of 27 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
In a pre-planned catchweight affair at 140 pounds, proud Lithuanian Stoliarenko (10-6-2, 1-4 UFC) wants to keep her modicum of momentum going after winning her first UFC appearance after five tries. She faces off against promotional newcomer Chandler (4-1, 0-0 UFC), plucked from the Invicta ranks but with the Diaz brothers in her camp. Referee Jacob Montalvo watches on as the two decide not to touch gloves, and instead they want to go after it early. Chandler lands a kick, and when she lines up a punch, Stoliarenko plods forward and takes her down. Within seconds, Stoliarenko shifts right into full mount, and she transitions into her favorite armbar setup. Chandler is wise to it, and she flips Stoliarenko over and breaks up the armlock before it is secured. The Stockton, Calif., native unloads with ground-and-pound when she is safe from submission harm, and she hammers Stoliarenko with several powerful blows. Stoliarenko kicks off the fence to get out of the bad situation, and finds her way back to the feet. Chandler catches her with a clean right hand as Stoliarenko resets, and Stoliarenko staggers back and looks to get her feet back beneath her. Stoliarenko is marked up from absorbing strikes, and slightly wobbled on the feet, and Chandler is loading up on heavy strikes. When Stoliarenko shoots in for a takedown, she drops to her knees and is bowled over. Chandler moves immediately into mount, and she makes Stoliarenko pay for the takedown try. Stoliarenko bucks and lifts her legs up high, and in doing so, she forces Chandler to climb back upright. Stoliarenko desperately shoots for a takedown, and Chandler hip tosses her to the mat and raises her arms up in typical Diaz-esque fashion. Stoliarenko stands up and backs off, and when she attempts another takedown, Chandler easily pushes her to her back and moves to mount.
Sensing that the Lithuanian is starting to wilt, Chandler turns it up to 11 and starts battering Stoliarenko with heavy punches. The shots are getting through and Montalvo is right there paying attention. Chandler keeps bombarding her doomed opponent with relentless fists, and Montalvo steps in to rescue Stoliarenko from further harm.
The Cesar Gracie Jiu-Jitsu product has just announced herself to the promotion in a big way, putting away a woman that had not been stopped with strikes since 2014.
The Official Result
Chelsea Chandler def. Julija Stoliarenko R1 4:15 via TKO (Punches)
Cody leans towards Julija Stoliarenko, noting her dangerous armbar and improved striking. He is concerned about Chandler's size and the catchweight, but believes Stoliarenko's submission threat is real. He prefers the submission prop but may wait for weigh-ins to assess size discrepancy.
Paul picks Julija Stoliarenko by submission, noting her specialty is the armbar and she has shown improvement in her overall game. He acknowledges Chandler is bigger and has some jiu-jitsu, but believes Stoliarenko's experience and ability to capitalize on mistakes will be key. He suggests waiting for a better price on the submission prop.
The MMA Guru leans toward Julija Stoliarenko, noting her specific skill set of armbars and judo. He thinks she can take Chandler down and control her on the ground, possibly submitting her. He is less confident because Chandler is untested and has a thyroid issue affecting weight cut, but he believes Stoliarenko has faced better competition. He calls it a pick'em fight.
Josiane Nunes - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Josiane Nunes | 0 | 31 of 67 | 46% | 31 of 67 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Priscila Cachoeira | 1 | 37 of 76 | 48% | 39 of 78 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Josiane Nunes | 0 | 31 of 67 | 46% | 31 of 67 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Priscila Cachoeira | 1 | 37 of 76 | 48% | 39 of 78 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Josiane Nunes | 31 of 67 | 46% | 17 of 49 | 7 of 11 | 7 of 7 | 31 of 67 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Priscila Cachoeira | 37 of 76 | 48% | 31 of 70 | 4 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 37 of 75 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Josiane Nunes | 31 of 67 | 46% | 17 of 49 | 7 of 11 | 7 of 7 | 31 of 67 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Priscila Cachoeira | 37 of 76 | 48% | 31 of 70 | 4 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 37 of 75 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Nunes (-185), Cachoeira (+154)
Round 1
Keeping to the women’s weight categories, bantamweights take center stage next in a must-win for either lady. Stout, power-punching Nunes (10-3, 3-2 UFC) has dropped two straight, while Cachoeira (12-6, 4-6 UFC) should have been released with prejudice after repeatedly gouging
Gillian Robertson
’s eyes in 2021. One of these two struggling fighters has to win, and referee Chris Tognoni will know first who that is. They touch gloves before getting down to business, and Cachoeira keeps a wide stance as she walks to the middle of the Octagon and punches Nunes square in the face. Nunes loves this idea, and she does the same. The fight immediately devolves into an all-offense fist frenzy, where the two countrywoman blast one another with unguarded power punches. They trade blows without concern for health or well-being, but as the strikes continue to mount, it is the fiery Nunes who is getting the worst of it. Nunes shoots for a desperate double after getting stung, and Cachoeira shuts it down and backs her off with a one-two. Nunes changes things up with a couple heavy low kicks, and she uses the leg kicks to try to open up one to the head. The more compact Nunes cannot quite get her foot up high enough, so she settles for brawling. Cachoeira tags Nunes, Nunes swings back, and the pendulum keeps swinging. With more range on her side, Cachoeira is able to occasionally land and circle away. Nunes keeps her guard up after taking a few especially damaging blows, and she rushes in with a swarm of fists.
Cachoeira dances out of the way, bounces off the fence and plants a one-two on the mug. Seeing that Nunes is stunned, “Zombie Girl” opens up with a monstrous uppercut that completely separates Nunes from her senses. “Josi” hits the ground on her face like a sack of bricks, and Cachoeira knows her work her is done and strides away
, pounding her chest and raising her arms in the air. It takes a couple seconds for Nunes to come to, and Tognoni has to let her know that she got knocked the heck out. The night is two for two in sweet knockouts from the ladies, and post-fight bonus checks could already be in the mail.
The Official Result
Priscila Cachoeira
def.
Josiane Nunes
R1 2:46 via KO (Punch)
Angelo picks Josiane Nunes over Priscila Cachoeira. He notes both are similar power-punchers, but Nunes hits harder, is tougher, and doesn't absorb as many strikes. He suggests the under 2.5 rounds as a potential bet since Cachoeira could get finished.
Big Brady picks Josiane Nunes but with very low confidence, stating he would never bet on this fight. He acknowledges Priscila Cachoeira's toughness and durability but notes she absorbs a lot of strikes (43% striking defense) and is very hittable. Brady thinks Nunes is the better fighter, younger, and will land more significant shots, possibly hurting Cachoeira. However, he does not trust either fighter and expects a competitive brawl. He predicts Nunes wins by decision, calling it a potential Fight of the Night.
Cody picks Eric McConico as a dog, citing Cody Brundage's tendency to quit and his uncoachable nature. He notes that Brundage has low volume and poor cardio, while McConico has a deep gas tank and can take over late. He believes McConico can survive early rounds and win by decision or late finish.
Daniel does not make a clear pick for this fight. He discusses the matchup briefly but does not state a preference or bet.
The host leans with Cachoeira, citing she has more tools in the shed, especially in striking, and her durability is good. He expects her to land nasty strikes and win on the scorecards.
Paul also picks McConico, noting that Brundage has a history of quitting and is moving up to 205, which may affect his cardio. He believes McConico's body work and volume will wear on Brundage. He sees value in the dog price and expects McConico to win if he can avoid an early knockout.
The MMA Guru picks Josiane Nunes, describing her as a 'menacing little Goblin' with dangerous punching power. He expects her to either knock out Priscila Cachoeira or beat her down over three rounds. He criticizes Cachoeira's chin and recent losses, including to Molly McCann, and notes she missed weight against Robertson. He doesn't see Cachoeira effectively outgrappling Nunes, so he's confident in Nunes getting the win.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jacqueline Cavalcanti | 0 | 91 of 171 | 53% | 91 of 171 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Josiane Nunes | 0 | 52 of 153 | 33% | 52 of 153 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:08 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jacqueline Cavalcanti | 0 | 34 of 62 | 54% | 34 of 62 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Josiane Nunes | 0 | 20 of 52 | 38% | 20 of 52 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Jacqueline Cavalcanti | 0 | 31 of 60 | 51% | 31 of 60 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Josiane Nunes | 0 | 18 of 48 | 37% | 18 of 48 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Jacqueline Cavalcanti | 0 | 26 of 49 | 53% | 26 of 49 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Josiane Nunes | 0 | 14 of 53 | 26% | 14 of 53 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:08 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jacqueline Cavalcanti | 91 of 171 | 53% | 49 of 119 | 11 of 19 | 31 of 33 | 91 of 171 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Josiane Nunes | 52 of 153 | 33% | 33 of 126 | 11 of 19 | 8 of 8 | 50 of 149 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 4 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jacqueline Cavalcanti | 34 of 62 | 54% | 17 of 42 | 6 of 8 | 11 of 12 | 34 of 62 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Josiane Nunes | 20 of 52 | 38% | 8 of 37 | 6 of 9 | 6 of 6 | 20 of 52 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Jacqueline Cavalcanti | 31 of 60 | 51% | 15 of 41 | 4 of 7 | 12 of 12 | 31 of 60 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Josiane Nunes | 18 of 48 | 37% | 12 of 39 | 4 of 7 | 2 of 2 | 18 of 48 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Jacqueline Cavalcanti | 26 of 49 | 53% | 17 of 36 | 1 of 4 | 8 of 9 | 26 of 49 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Josiane Nunes | 14 of 53 | 26% | 13 of 50 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 12 of 49 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 4 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Cavalcanti (-192), Nunes (+160)
Round 1
Two Brazilian strikers with deceptively high knockout rates meet in the center of the cage in this next endeavor. Much taller and longer, Cavalcanti (6-1, 1-0 UFC), who now fights out of Portugal but was born on Sao Paulo, will maintain ample natural advantages against the diminutive brawler Nunes (10-2, 3-1 UFC). Even though she measures around 5-foot-2 and short arms to match, it is “Josi” who comes into this fight having knocked out foe in seven of 10 wins, much like a Mark Hunt-esque women’s bantamweight. The countrywomen tap their gloves together to start the fight, with referee Mark Smith watching on with bated breath. Cavalcanti paws out her jab repeatedly right out of the gate, and she sticks out a few low kicks until Nunes counters her over the top. Nunes swarms forward but is out of range, and Cavalcanti peppers her with distant strikes. They trade low kicks, and Nunes just misses with a reaching left hand. Cavalcanti boots her in the head with a kick, and she slides away from the swarming Nunes. Cavalcanti keeps her foe at arm’s reach, not allowing Nunes to get inside to bop her in the chops with any number of winging strike. Cavalcanti jabs and keeps lateral footwork to avoid danger, and she sticks out a one-two to get Nunes’ attention. As Nunes races forward, she does manage to connect with a few punches, and she bites down on her mouthpiece and knows she has to eat a few shots to get inside. She does just that, shrugging off a straight right hand so she can blast Cavalcanti in the side of the head. Nunes keeps slugging, and a particularly effective right hand draws some swelling on Cavalcanti’s temple. Cavalcanti slows things down with a few front kicks to stay at her preferred range, and she sticks a body kick under the guard while moving. Cavalcanti reaches with a jab and a right, and she hops away from a few looping shots that miss the mark. Cavalcanti scores a low kick and slides away when Nunes grabs her leg, and she intercepts Nunes with a stern right hand. Nunes keeps plowing forward, and she runs at Cavalcanti throwing hands until the horn sounds.
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Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Cavalcanti
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Nunes
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Cavalcanti
Round 2
Gloves get touched, and Cavalcanti pokes and prods from her safe distance early. A few twos from Cavalcanti have reddened up Nunes’ left eye, and she uses her jab to set that strike up time and again. Nunes chambers and partially fires her huge left hook to no avail, and she even jumps forward winging one but hits nothing but air. Cavalcanti drives home a one-two on the cheek as Nunes rushes after her, hand-fighting and keeping Nunes from hitting her. Nunes finds her range with a big left hand, bouncing Cavalcanti off the wall, and she connects with another after a serious wind-up. Nunes paws out a right hook that wobbles Cavalcanti, and she blocks a body kick instead of pouncing. Cavalcanti shakes it off and flicks a low kick and a right hand, and she gets back to a jab with a solid two behind it. Cavalcanti’s low kick is caught, and she just gets away when Nunes loads up on pure power. Cavalcanti watches Nunes run at her to crack her with a preemptive right hand, and Nunes tries to pay her back but is just taking damage. Cavalcanti picks her shots and uses her serious reach advantage to disallow Nunes from denting her forehead with huge power strikes. Cavalcanti nails her foe with a right hand, and she gets punched back and claims it was an eye poke. Smith calls time and allows Cavalcanti to recover, but it appears to be a fist that irritated her and not outstretched fingers. When they resume after about 25 seconds, Cavalcanti is on her bike with Nunes fired up, and her long punches open a cut on the cheek of her adversary. Nunes tries to cut Cavalcanti off but is following her around, allowing Cavalcanti to piece her up. Nunes gets off two left hands before Cavalcanti can skirt away, and Cavalcanti looks for a step-in knee when they get up close. Nunes scores with another hook, and a front kick from Cavalcanti makes her think twice about swinging recklessly before the bell rings.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Cavalcanti
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Cavalcanti
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Cavalcanti
Round 3
There is one final fist bump to get going, and Nunes charges forward like before. Nunes has a big left hand soar past her opponent, with Cavalcanti deftly avoiding the worst of almost every blow. Nunes briefly draws her foe into a slugfest, and Cavalcanti takes a few and makes the decision to not give Nunes the only chance to put her down. Cavalcanti digs a body shot amidst several jabs, circling away from the power and letting a left brush past her. Nunes walks into several fists, and she grits it out to launch her left twice. Nunes gets into range, but Cavalcanti exits and dodges a haymaker on the way out. Nunes tries to feint and fake her way in, but Cavalcanti is not biting, rather jabbing her in the face. When Nunes bull-rushes her, Cavalcanti clips her with an uppercut, causing Nunes to crash into the wall. Nunes gathers a full head of steam and keeps her guard up, blocking a head kick that makes Cavalcanti topple to the mat. Nunes tries to pounce, but Cavalcanti pushes her off and climbs back to her feet. Cavalcanti gets on her bike, seemingly cruising with jabs and the occasional front kick while Nunes is walking straight into everything. Cavalcanti smacks her in the side of the head with a lead hook, swelling up Nunes’ right eye a bit. Nunes ignores any damage she has sustained and is loaded for bear, but Cavalcanti is faster and longer. Nunes throws caution to the wind, with a few lefts getting in before Cavalcanti evades the rest of the blitz. Cavalcanti jabs with a front kick to the knee, allowing her to take some of the sting out of Nunes’ lunging hook. Cavalcanti slaps the instep of her foot on the midsection of the shorter woman, and she bounces away from further danger. Nunes walks her down, tagging her with two left hands but not flustering Cavalcanti one bit. Cavalcanti picks out a few jabs and right hands, and Nunes no-sells every blow so she can try for one final power strike. That blow does not come because Cavalcanti kicks her in the belly, and the bantamweight bout draws to a close. It could go either way, depending on how judges value Nunes power strikes vs. her foe’s accuracy and activity.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Cavalcanti (30-27 Cavalcanti)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Cavalcanti (29-28 Cavalcanti)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Cavalcanti (30-27 Cavalcanti)
The Official Result
Jacqueline Cavalcanti def. Josiane Nunes via Split Decision (27-30, 29-28, 30-27)
Angelo picks the underdog Josiane Nunes, describing her as a bowling ball who only moves forward and throws bombs. He thinks the odds are too wide in favor of Cavalcanti due to recency bias, and that Cavalcanti doesn't like pressure. He notes that Nunes lost her last fight because a giant held her against the cage, but doesn't see that happening here. He suggests a plus 3.5 bet on Nunes, similar to the Dan Hooker bet.
Cody picks Cavalcanti because of her reach, speed, and striking technique. He notes that Nunes is short and has to close distance, which plays into Cavalcanti's range game. He also uses MMA math: Cavalcanti dominated Zara Fairn, while Nunes had a competitive fight with Fairn. He thinks Cavalcanti will outpoint Nunes and win a decision.
Daniel Vreeland picks Jacqueline Cavalcanti, citing her significant size and reach advantage over the much shorter Nunes. He notes Cavalcanti's high volume and well-rounded skills, while Nunes is too small for the division and will be bullied.
Brevin picks Cavalcanti by decision, noting she is the bigger fighter and a better striker with range. He dismisses Nunes due to her loss to Chelsea Chandler, which he finds disqualifying. JP agrees, adding that Nunes is much smaller and Cavalcanti is a good striker who is very rangy. Both expect the fight to go the distance.
Paul agrees with Cody, noting that Nunes was outworked by Chelsea Chandler. He thinks Cavalcanti's volume will be the difference. He also mentions that women's favorites have been winning at a high rate this year, so he's comfortable backing the favorite here.
The MMA Guru picks Josiane Nunes because he believes she is stronger and has more grit than Jacqueline Cavalcanti. He criticizes Cavalcanti's wins over Zara Fairn and Melissa Gatto as unimpressive, implying Nunes has a better mentality and will dig deeper. He relies on a subjective assessment of who wants it more.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chelsea Chandler | 0 | 47 of 105 | 44% | 49 of 108 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:26 |
| Josiane Nunes | 0 | 58 of 130 | 44% | 100 of 176 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 7:02 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chelsea Chandler | 0 | 13 of 32 | 40% | 15 of 35 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:26 |
| Josiane Nunes | 0 | 20 of 40 | 50% | 29 of 53 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:27 | |
| 2 | Chelsea Chandler | 0 | 9 of 13 | 69% | 9 of 13 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Josiane Nunes | 0 | 15 of 33 | 45% | 46 of 64 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 4:11 | |
| 3 | Chelsea Chandler | 0 | 25 of 60 | 41% | 25 of 60 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Josiane Nunes | 0 | 23 of 57 | 40% | 25 of 59 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:24 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chelsea Chandler | 47 of 105 | 44% | 37 of 85 | 9 of 19 | 1 of 1 | 43 of 101 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Josiane Nunes | 58 of 130 | 44% | 43 of 107 | 13 of 21 | 2 of 2 | 43 of 106 | 2 of 3 | 13 of 21 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chelsea Chandler | 13 of 32 | 40% | 7 of 25 | 5 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 10 of 29 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Josiane Nunes | 20 of 40 | 50% | 14 of 32 | 6 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 13 of 29 | 2 of 3 | 5 of 8 | |
| 2 | Chelsea Chandler | 9 of 13 | 69% | 9 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 12 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Josiane Nunes | 15 of 33 | 45% | 13 of 29 | 1 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 7 of 20 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 13 | |
| 3 | Chelsea Chandler | 25 of 60 | 41% | 21 of 47 | 4 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 25 of 60 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Josiane Nunes | 23 of 57 | 40% | 16 of 46 | 6 of 10 | 1 of 1 | 23 of 57 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Nunes (-135), Chandler (+114)
Round 1
The second catchweight affair comes next, as ex-featherweight Chandler (5-2, 1-1 UFC) could not quite reach the 136-pound limit, clocking in a pound heavy and giving up 20% of her purse to her opponent. Also a featherweight in the past, the 5-foot-2 Nunes (10-1, 3-0 UFC) had no issue making weight. There will be a size disparity in the cage, and referee Chris Tognoni will make sure nothing problematic comes from it. Nunes is intense and has no interest in touching gloves, and she walks out of her corner calm as a cucumber while knowing it is about to get messy. Nunes slowly moves forward, until she lets her hands go. Nunes clubs Chandler on the side of the head with a huge left hand in the midst of a combination, and she draws Chandler into an early brawl. Nunes gets the better of the exchange to force Chandler to separate and strafe to the side, and Nunes gives chase and engages another slugfest. Chandler takes a few shots and ties the Brazilian up, but it does not take long for the shorter Nunes to turn her around perhaps thanks to her lower center of gravity. Nunes gets off a high knee, and she breaks off and just misses taking a hard elbow. Nunes swarms her opponent with a flurry of punches, clipping Chandler on the temple with a wild left. Chandler backs off and moves away from the small ball of power and fury, but Nunes catches up with her. Chandler attempts to slow her down again, clinching up and setting up a trip on the outside. Chandler succeeds in tripping Nunes to the mat, where she imposes her body weight on top of the slugger. Nunes tries to kick off, and Chandler opens up with a few punches. Nunes sets up a high guard, and she hacks with elbows while not letting Chandler throw much else. Nunes looks to lift one leg up high to set up a potential triangle, and she goes all the way over with her legs to hook up an armbar. Chandler lifts her up in the air and powerbombs her down, and Nunes lets it go instead of letting it sink it deeper. Chandler connects with several punches, and Nunes fights her way back up and absorbs a risky body kick on the way. Nunes lashes out with a blitz of punches, knocking Chandler back until Chandler stands her ground and fires back. The two measure one another with power strikes until the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Nunes
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Nunes
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Nunes
Round 2
Nunes loads up on vicious punches as soon as the round begins, and she stings Chandler in a flurry of blows. Nunes knocks Chandler down to a knee, and Chandler works her way back up. Nunes backs Chandler up again, laying into her with fiery fists, and Chandler swings back with bad intentions including a few body kicks. Nunes’ punches smash Chandler’s nose wide open, and blood leaks out of both nostrils. As they both trade, Nunes considers a level change, but Chandler tackles her over and shifts to full mount. Nunes turns to her side while maintaining wrist control, and Chandler takes her back and gets both hooks in. Nunes turns in an effort to escape, and Chandler follows her every step of the way to remain on top, although no longer in dominant position. Chandler opens up with a few strikes but would prefer to remain in top control, and Nunes closes her guard around the waist. Chandler slams a few elbows down to stay busy, dishing out damage as time ticks off the clock. Nunes hangs on tight to prevent any serious offense from mounting, as a small cut on the bridge of her nose drips blood into her eye. Chandler winds up with a few more elbows, and she stands back up with seconds to go before the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Chandler
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Chandler
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Chandler
Round 3
The last round kicks off with a body kick from the American. Nunes ducks down, swinging a right hand to the body, but she misses. Chandler digs another kick to the ribs, prompting Nunes to load up with a left hand that gets Chandler’s attention. Nunes unloads another overhand left, and she forces Chandler to retreat with her surge of punches. Chandler uses jabs to keep her distance until Nunes charges her, and the Brazilian’s strikes land as Chandler keeps moving. Nunes walks through a body kick and rocks Chandler with a left hook. Chandler bites down on her mouthpiece and slings back, and Nunes racks her again with a massive left. Chandler tries to tie her up with a clinch, and Nunes shakes her off and resets so she can race forward swinging her mighty fists. Chandler turns away from an exchange, and she gets to the center of the cage and sticks out a jab. Nunes passes the jab so she can wing her left, and her momentum allows Chandler to grab hold of her and slow her down. Chandler presses her full body weight and drives a few knees to the chest, but Nunes wants to break and throw hands. Nunes smacks her foe with a few more punches, and Chandler still has some bounce on her feet as she moves. Nunes connects with two heavy left hands, and Chandler tanks them and is no worse for wear. Nunes crowds her with a swarm of punches, and Chandler turns her back and lifts up a back kick that smacks into Nunes’ cheek. Nunes darts forward, leading with her left, and she gets driven back by a front kick to the ribs. Nunes continues to spam her left, and Chandler eats it like a slice of avocado toast and remains in the fight. Chandler pokes out a jab and starts taunting her opponent, who responds by punching her square in the face. Nunes leaps forward with two left hooks, and the fight ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Nunes (29-28 Nunes)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Nunes (29-28 Nunes)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Nunes (29-28 Nunes)
The Official Result
Chelsea Chandler def. Josiane Nunes via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo argues that Nunes looked worse in her last fight (barely beating a 40-year-old) than Chandler did (losing to a top-five opponent). He thinks Chandler is tough, powerful, and will be giant in this fight. He notes the over 2.5 rounds line is only -120 and expects a decision, as both are tough and Nunes is not a finisher. He may bet on Chandler if she becomes an even bigger dog, and also consider the over.
Big Brady picks Josiane Nunes to win by decision, but is not confident. He notes Nunes' size disadvantage but thinks her striking and power will be enough if she stuffs takedowns. He does not trust either fighter and will not bet on this fight.
Cody picks Chelsea Chandler, citing her size and physicality advantage. He notes Nunes is one-dimensional with an overhand left and has been taken down by lesser wrestlers. He expects Chandler to use her ground game and win by decision, but warns about Chandler's weight cut to 135 lbs.
The host sees this as striker vs grappler, with Chandler being much bigger and stronger. He expects Chandler to use her strength to bully Nunes against the cage, drag her to the ground, and assert top pressure to open up a TKO opportunity.
Paul also leans toward Chandler, noting Nunes will be dwarfed. He compares Nunes to a female version of Ilir Latifi, with no neck and a one-dimensional style. He thinks Chandler can press her against the cage and make it ugly, but emphasizes the weigh-ins are important for both fighters.
The Guru picks Josiane Nunes by TKO in round two. He notes Chandler's poor standup, throwing punches with eyes closed, and that Nunes has wicked power. He believes the bantamweight weight class favors Nunes, and that Chandler is too open on the feet. He references Chandler's loss to Norma Dumont where she looked lost.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Josiane Nunes | 0 | 102 of 211 | 48% | 107 of 216 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 2:02 |
| Zarah Fairn | 0 | 117 of 251 | 46% | 122 of 256 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:08 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Josiane Nunes | 0 | 41 of 87 | 47% | 44 of 90 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:27 |
| Zarah Fairn | 0 | 48 of 90 | 53% | 49 of 91 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 | |
| 2 | Josiane Nunes | 0 | 27 of 49 | 55% | 28 of 50 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:16 |
| Zarah Fairn | 0 | 35 of 64 | 54% | 38 of 67 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 | |
| 3 | Josiane Nunes | 0 | 34 of 75 | 45% | 35 of 76 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:19 |
| Zarah Fairn | 0 | 34 of 97 | 35% | 35 of 98 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Josiane Nunes | 102 of 211 | 48% | 58 of 150 | 38 of 52 | 6 of 9 | 82 of 180 | 20 of 31 | 0 of 0 |
| Zarah Fairn | 117 of 251 | 46% | 89 of 220 | 17 of 20 | 11 of 11 | 107 of 238 | 10 of 13 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Josiane Nunes | 41 of 87 | 47% | 22 of 59 | 16 of 23 | 3 of 5 | 34 of 77 | 7 of 10 | 0 of 0 |
| Zarah Fairn | 48 of 90 | 53% | 31 of 73 | 9 of 9 | 8 of 8 | 43 of 83 | 5 of 7 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Josiane Nunes | 27 of 49 | 55% | 11 of 28 | 13 of 17 | 3 of 4 | 20 of 39 | 7 of 10 | 0 of 0 |
| Zarah Fairn | 35 of 64 | 54% | 29 of 58 | 4 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 31 of 59 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Josiane Nunes | 34 of 75 | 45% | 25 of 63 | 9 of 12 | 0 of 0 | 28 of 64 | 6 of 11 | 0 of 0 |
| Zarah Fairn | 34 of 97 | 35% | 29 of 89 | 4 of 7 | 1 of 1 | 33 of 96 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Big Brady is very confident in Nunes, calling it one of the lowest level fights he's seen. He notes Fairn has been finished in both UFC losses in the first round, has no takedown defense, no ground game, and terrible striking defense with low hands and no head movement. Nunes is much better and should win by first-round knockout, either by walking forward and landing big shots or by grappling. He expects violence and a quick finish.
Cody picks Josiane Nunes confidently, expecting her to smash Zarah Fairn. He notes Nunes' power and aggression, and says Fairn has been finished early in both UFC fights. He thinks Nunes will finish early, possibly by TKO. He mentions Nunes' size disadvantage but says her pressure will be too much. He bet the under 1.5 rounds and under 2.5 rounds.
Connor picks Nunes, believing her aggression and power will overwhelm Fairn. He notes Fairn is measured and slow-paced, and may not handle Nunes' pressure. He expects a ugly clinch fight where Nunes lands devastating shots.
Paul picks Josiane Nunes but with some hesitation, noting the trap line feel. He says Fairn has a reach and height advantage and could potentially strike. He mentions Nunes' limited grappling and that she might not take Fairn down. He thinks Nunes should win but wouldn't put her on a parlay. He says Fairn is not very good but could cause problems.
The Guru is confident Nunes will starch Fairn by KO. He highlights Nunes' punching power, saying she 'throws punches like a man,' and notes she showed good cardio and grappling escapes against Ramona Pascal. Fairn hasn't fought since February 2022 and is coming off a TKO loss. The Guru also points out that taller female fighters often leave their chin up against shorter opponents, making them vulnerable to Nunes' power. He predicts a first-round KO.
Zane picks Fairn as an upset, citing her height and reach advantage. He notes Nunes is a short overhand-reliant brawler who may struggle to close distance. Fairn's jab and range could keep Nunes at bay, though Fairn is a poor grappler and may get overwhelmed.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Josiane Nunes | 2 | 98 of 222 | 44% | 119 of 245 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:43 |
| Ramona Pascual | 0 | 52 of 100 | 52% | 71 of 121 | 3 of 10 | 30% | 0 | 0 | 3:41 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Josiane Nunes | 1 | 28 of 73 | 38% | 37 of 83 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Ramona Pascual | 0 | 25 of 44 | 56% | 30 of 49 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:28 | |
| 2 | Josiane Nunes | 1 | 39 of 65 | 60% | 51 of 78 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:40 |
| Ramona Pascual | 0 | 9 of 18 | 50% | 20 of 31 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 2:00 | |
| 3 | Josiane Nunes | 0 | 31 of 84 | 36% | 31 of 84 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Ramona Pascual | 0 | 18 of 38 | 47% | 21 of 41 | 1 of 5 | 20% | 0 | 0 | 0:13 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Josiane Nunes | 98 of 222 | 44% | 83 of 205 | 5 of 6 | 10 of 11 | 79 of 192 | 12 of 17 | 7 of 13 |
| Ramona Pascual | 52 of 100 | 52% | 25 of 71 | 20 of 22 | 7 of 7 | 43 of 89 | 6 of 6 | 3 of 5 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Josiane Nunes | 28 of 73 | 38% | 20 of 63 | 3 of 4 | 5 of 6 | 28 of 69 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 4 |
| Ramona Pascual | 25 of 44 | 56% | 6 of 25 | 14 of 14 | 5 of 5 | 20 of 38 | 4 of 4 | 1 of 2 | |
| 2 | Josiane Nunes | 39 of 65 | 60% | 35 of 61 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 3 | 25 of 46 | 7 of 10 | 7 of 9 |
| Ramona Pascual | 9 of 18 | 50% | 4 of 13 | 4 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 6 of 14 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 3 | |
| 3 | Josiane Nunes | 31 of 84 | 36% | 28 of 81 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 | 26 of 77 | 5 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
| Ramona Pascual | 18 of 38 | 47% | 15 of 33 | 2 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 17 of 37 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Big Brady picks Josiane Nunes to win by first-round knockout. He notes Nunes has power and aggression, and that Pascual's competition has been very low level. However, he is hesitant because Pascual has improved training at Syndicate MMA and is much bigger. He also flags that Nunes has been taken down and gassed out in the past. He calls the fight 'sketchy' and says he doesn't know enough about Pascual to be confident.
Cody picks Nunes confidently, citing her pressure, power, and durability. He notes Pascual's low level of competition and poor takedown defense. Cody expects Nunes to win by knockout or decision, but hesitates due to women's MMA volatility.
Daniel Levi picks Josiane Nunes to win. He notes Nunes has one-hitter-quitter power rare for women's divisions, and that Pascual has not faced that level of competition. Levi acknowledges Pascual's size and ground game as potential threats, but believes Nunes' power and experience will be too much. He expects a spectacular finish.
The host leans with Pascual as an underdog, believing her grappling will be the key. He notes that Nunes has been taken down easily in the past and that Pascual should be able to drag the fight to the ground and control her there. However, he has concerns about Pascual's level of competition and is not confident enough to bet, but he considers the decision prop at +350.
Paul picks Nunes, noting her nuclear left hand and aggressive style. He believes Pascual is a warm body taking the fight on short notice and expects Nunes to finish her. Paul considered the knockout prop but found it juiced to -110.
The MMA Guru picks Josiane Nunes to win by first-round KO. He describes Nunes as a 'lab experiment' with monstrous power, noting her first-round KO of Bea Malecki and her regional knockouts. He believes Pascual is outmatched and that Nunes will land the KO blow early. He mentions that Pascual has been TKO'd before by ground and pound, and trusts Nunes' brutal hands to finish the fight in the first round.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Josiane Nunes | 0 | 35 of 82 | 42% | 35 of 82 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Bea Malecki | 1 | 52 of 129 | 40% | 52 of 129 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Josiane Nunes | 0 | 35 of 82 | 42% | 35 of 82 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Bea Malecki | 1 | 52 of 129 | 40% | 52 of 129 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Josiane Nunes | 35 of 82 | 42% | 13 of 53 | 12 of 19 | 10 of 10 | 35 of 82 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Bea Malecki | 52 of 129 | 40% | 26 of 89 | 15 of 26 | 11 of 14 | 45 of 118 | 7 of 11 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Josiane Nunes | 35 of 82 | 42% | 13 of 53 | 12 of 19 | 10 of 10 | 35 of 82 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Bea Malecki | 52 of 129 | 40% | 26 of 89 | 15 of 26 | 11 of 14 | 45 of 118 | 7 of 11 | 0 of 0 |
Big Brady picks Bea Malecki, citing a massive size advantage (7 inches height and reach). He notes Malecki has fought better competition and has a solid ground game, while Nunes is very small for the division with poor takedown defense. He believes the size will be the key factor and predicts a decision win.
Cody picks Malecki, citing her size, reach, and Muay Thai background. He notes Nunes' lack of grappling and believes Malecki can keep the fight standing and land strikes at range. He acknowledges Malecki's cardio issues but thinks she will be too big.
Malecki has advantages in striking, size, and strength. Nunes is flat-footed and relies on opponents gassing, but Malecki has a solid gas tank. I think Malecki can finish Nunes, especially in the clinch with knees. I'm picking Malecki inside the distance, and the under 2.5 rounds is a good spot.
Paul leans toward Nunes as a dog, noting her toughness and pressure. He questions Malecki's takedown defense and overall MMA game, but admits the size difference is a major concern. He ultimately suggests passing on the fight.
The MMA Guru picks Bea Malecki due to her massive size advantage. He notes Malecki is 5'9" with 74-inch reach, while Nunes is 5'2". Malecki has power and grappling, and will be about 15 pounds heavier. He acknowledges Nunes has KO power but believes Malecki's size will be decisive.
Expert Picks (6)
Angelo argues that Nunes looked worse in her last fight (barely beating a 40-year-old) than Chandler did (losing to a top-five opponent). He thinks Chandler is tough, powerful, and will be giant in this fight. He notes the over 2.5 rounds line is only -120 and expects a decision, as both are tough and Nunes is not a finisher. He may bet on Chandler if she becomes an even bigger dog, and also consider the over.
Big Brady picks Josiane Nunes to win by decision, but is not confident. He notes Nunes' size disadvantage but thinks her striking and power will be enough if she stuffs takedowns. He does not trust either fighter and will not bet on this fight.
Cody picks Chelsea Chandler, citing her size and physicality advantage. He notes Nunes is one-dimensional with an overhand left and has been taken down by lesser wrestlers. He expects Chandler to use her ground game and win by decision, but warns about Chandler's weight cut to 135 lbs.
The host sees this as striker vs grappler, with Chandler being much bigger and stronger. He expects Chandler to use her strength to bully Nunes against the cage, drag her to the ground, and assert top pressure to open up a TKO opportunity.
Paul also leans toward Chandler, noting Nunes will be dwarfed. He compares Nunes to a female version of Ilir Latifi, with no neck and a one-dimensional style. He thinks Chandler can press her against the cage and make it ugly, but emphasizes the weigh-ins are important for both fighters.
The Guru picks Josiane Nunes by TKO in round two. He notes Chandler's poor standup, throwing punches with eyes closed, and that Nunes has wicked power. He believes the bantamweight weight class favors Nunes, and that Chandler is too open on the feet. He references Chandler's loss to Norma Dumont where she looked lost.
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