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The UFC is back at O2 Arena in London for one more Fight Night card as we open the motion within the Women’s Bantamweight (135) Division. Coventry, England’s Melissa Mullins takes on Luana Carolina of Brazil in an evenly-matched opener to the cardboard. Check our UFC odds series for the Mullins-Carolina prediction and pick.
Melissa Mullins (7-2) has gone 2-2 contained in the UFC since debuting in 2023. She’s alternated wins and losses while fighting on numerous London cards up to now, so she must be comfortable on this spot because the short underdog in front of her home fans. Mullins stands 5-foot-7 with a 68-inch reach.
Luana Carolina (11-5) has gone 6-4 since joining the UFC roster in 2019. She rode a three-fight winning streak before dropping her most up-to-date bout to Michelle Montague. Carolina is available in the slight betting favorite expected to win via decision. She stands 5-foot-6 with a 69-inch reach.
UFC London Odds, courtesy of DraftKings.
UFC London Odds: Melissa Mullins-Luana Carolina Odds
Melissa Mullins: +110
Luana Carolina: -130
Over 2.5 rounds: -298
Under 2.5 rounds: +220
Why Melissa Mullins Will Win
- Last Fight: (L) Darya Zheleznyakova– U DEC
- Last 5: 3-2
- Finishes: 4 KO/TKO
Typically a really sound kickboxer, Melissa Mullins was barely outpaced within the striking numbers 103-77 during his last loss against Darya Zheleznyakova. Mullins managed to land three of six takedowns in trying to alter levels and attack submissions, but couldn’t mount or establish any meaningful offense from there. She’s been up and down through these first 4 fights of her tenure, but a well-recognized spot on the O2 Arena could possibly be what she must get back on course.
Mullins is landing 3.71 significant strikes per minute at a really solid 50% accuracy. The damage she sustained in her last fight actually skews her defensive statistics, but Mullins is often excellent in absorbing damage and never letting it affect her offensive output. Expect her to proceed moving forward throughout this fight and pressuring with the clinch while throwing short shots inside.
Mullins is actually able to knocking opponents out with a barrage of strikes from the bottom and he or she’s been recently competing in numerous grappling exhibitions outside the UFC. It’ll be interesting to see what latest wrinkles she’s added to her game and whether we’ll see a more eager version of her willing to utilize more of her ground-and-pound through the improved grappling.
Why Luana Carolina Will Win
- Last Fight: (L) Michelle Montague – U DEC
- Last 5: 3-2
- Finishes: 3 KO/TKO, 1 SUB
Luana Carolina was on a serious hot streak through three fights, notching two unanimous decisions and a dominant TKO throughout the run. Her most up-to-date bout told a special story as she was out-struck 99-75 and brought down five times throughout the three-round decision loss. While her opponent had the whole lot working that night, Carolina looked unlike her previous self and a step slower than Montague all night. This bounce back fight must be a gut check for her as she hopes to construct upon the loss and improve her game, still considered the favourite on this fight.
Since entering the UFC, Luana Carolina has done an excellent deal to evolve and grow her game since her 2018 Contender Series appearance. Known for her striking and consistent jab, she has experience against the likes of Ariane Lipski, Molly McCann, and Joanne Wood while seeing numerous different fighting styles on this division. Carolina must have a solid game plan against a gentle striker like Mullins, so expect a methodical approach as she slowly tries to use the gaps in her opponents’ game.
Luana Carolina should make use of her front leg kicks as Mullins has been known to depart herself open when closing the gap. Mullins’ defense and arm guard has also been compromised up to now, so expect Carolina to go to the body on numerous occasions in hopes of getting Mullins to drop her hands.
Final Melissa Mullins-Luana Carolina Prediction & Pick
This must be an exciting bout to open the cardboard as each fighters are willing to face in the middle of the octagon and exchanging boxing combos. Luana Carolina might be rather more willing to utilize her kicks within the stand-up, while Mullins’ recent improvements within the grappling could see her initiating the clinch rather more fruitfully during this fight.
Luana Carolina could have to get ahead within the striking totals early if she wants success in a three-round fight. Mullins may be very consistent together with her own striking, but will struggle if she has to fight from behind or need a late stoppage win.
Still, I feel Melissa Mullins will open this bout very fast and have the larger moments throughout. This might find yourself being a split decision verdict, but we’ll side with the hometown fighter because the slight underdog.
Final Melissa Mullins-Luana Carolina Prediction & Pick: Melissa Mullins (+110); OVER 2.5 Rounds (-298)