Women’s Strawweights
Bruna Brasil (8-2-1, 0-0 UFC) vs. Denise Gomes (6-2, 0-1 UFC)
Brazilian strawweights sort things out in this scrap. Gomes’ 2022 campaign did not end on the highest note, but it was still an unexpected breakout year for the 23-year-old. Gomes stepped in on four days’ notice to beat UFC vet Milana Dudieva, then parlayed that into a spot on Dana White’s Contender Series and a UFC contract after her subsequent win. However, her debut against Konklak Suphisara on less than a month’s turnaround showed the holes in Gomes’ approach. She is typically able to take over fights late through persistence and physicality, but Suphisara’s early lead was too much for Gomes to overcome. Gomes looks to rebound against countrywoman and fellow DWCS alum in Brasil’s UFC debut. In contrast to Gomes’ squat frame and straight-ahead approach, Brasil is a reedy striker at her best when she is able to outquick opponents and fire off an impressive kicking game. Brasil’s speed can freeze her opponents at times, but things have gotten a bit dicier when her foes are willing to disregard her offense and get into close quarters. Brasil can typically still hold her own in that phase, but it could provide a path to victory for Gomes if she can make this an ugly fight early and often. The bet is still that Brasil is able to stay on her feet enough to separate herself on the scorecards with some big offense, but this is the right next step for both prospects in terms of matchmaking. The pick is Brasil via decision.
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