Preview: UFC on ESPN 21 ‘Brunson vs. Holland’

Women’s Strawweight

Cheyanne Buys (5-1, 0-0 UFC) vs. Montserrat Ruiz (9-1, 0-0 UFC)

ODDS: Buys (-355), Ruiz (+295)

Buys’ performance on Dana White’s Contender Series essentially made it undeniable that she should receive a UFC contract. While Hilarie Rose was a game opponent and a dangerous submission threat, Buys eventually turned their fight into a one-sided affair. That continued a steady rise for Buys, who has proven to be a well-rounded fighter over the course of her three-year professional career. She has not been a dangerous finisher, but she has shown some solid decision making and should just continue to get better with time and experience. She joins her husband in making her UFC debut on this card, and she will take on a late replacement and fellow newcomer in Ruiz. “Conejo” was not particularly proven when she made it to Invicta Fighting Championships, and her debut with the promotion resulted in an unimpressive if scrappy loss against UFC veteran Danielle Taylor. However, it went much better the second time around, as she managed to find success with her wrestling and make quick work of Janaisa Morandin. Ruiz’s wrestling and grappling could make this interesting, but Buys can probably hold her own there if the fight even gets to that point. It seems just as likely that Buys can keep the shorter Ruiz at a distance and pick her apart without much trouble. Ruiz is aggressive and durable, so this should be a fun fight throughout, but the pick is Buys via clear decision.

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