Preview: UFC 279 Prelims

Women’s Strawweights

Melissa Martinez (7-0, 0-0 UFC) vs. Elise Reed (5-2, 1-2 UFC)

ODDS: Martinez (-155), Reed (+135)

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The UFC continues to replenish its strawweight division, with Martinez becoming the latest top prospect at 115 pounds to make her UFC debut. “Super Melly” should be an interesting talent to watch as a powerful kickboxer, though there are some potential pitfalls for her in the short term. Beyond the dichotomy of being a 5-foot-2 fighter who is best at range, she is not the most imposing athlete and could be neutralized down the line by some of the division’s better wrestlers. That is all unlikely to be a concern against Reed, who has had some struggles in the UFC thus far. Reed put together a surprisingly strong resume during her brief pre-UFC career, but she has looked very much like a former atomweight at the UFC level. She scored a scrappy win in a close fight against Cory McKenna, but losses to Sijara Eubanks and Sam Hughes were clear examples where Reed did not have much answer for a bullying approach that could keep her on the mat. That will not be an issue against Martinez, but the UFC newcomer is still the much more practiced striker and a harder hitter, so she has a clear edge. The pick is Martinez via decision.

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