Preview: UFC 251 ‘Usman vs. Masvidal’ Prelims

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Women’s Bantamweights

Karol Rosa (12-3) vs. Vanessa Melo (10-7)

ODDS: Rosa (-240), Melo (+200)

Rosa still does not look like a particularly high-upside prospect, but her UFC debut was a pleasant surprise and it came in an entertaining fight. Rosa and Lara Fritzen Procopio combined to throw 641 strikes over three rounds, and while it was not the sharpest fight technically, the constant activity made it a low-key banger until Rosa got the win on the scorecards. Rosa looks to follow up on that win against a Brazilian countrywoman in search of her first UFC win. Melo had a pleasantly robust resume upon signing with the UFC as a late replacement, but that experience has not done her much good in her last two bouts. Melo is an aggressive counterpuncher who is willing to keep moving forward and eat damage, but she looked glacially slow against Irene Aldana and Tracy Cortez; and Cortez even outwrestled her, to boot. Even if there is not much chance of a finish, there is an outside shot that this is one of the best fights on the card. Melo is more than willing to throw heat and match her opponent’s pace, and if nothing else, Rosa showed she could set a high pace in her last fight. This really could go either way, since neither woman is particularly crisp technically and both are defensive sieves. Melo could get the nod just by being the fighter more likely to move forward, but Rosa does look to be a bit faster and a harder hitter. The pick is Rosa via decision.

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