UFC Predictions: 4 marquee women's flyweight fights on the horizon
Since Valentina Shevchenko won the UFC women's flyweight title back in 2018, the division has largely remained in her shadow. Shevchenko's dominance saw many lose interest in the 125-pound weight class, but the tide appears to be turning.
Shevchenko's close and controversial title defense against Taila Santos last year undoubtedly inspired the rest of the flyweights. With the emergence of the likes of Manon Fiorot and Erin Blanchfield, there are finally some fresh challengers for the title as well. Tatiana Suarez's recent return also bodes well for the division's future.
Over the next month, four marquee flyweight bouts will see the divisional pecking order make a few moves. On that note, here are our predictions for the upcoming women's flyweight matchups.
#4. Andrea Lee vs. Maycee Barber
Maycee Barber's career hasn't quite gone to plan since breaking onto the scene five years ago, with injuries playing a major role in her trajectory. She re-discovered winning ways last year with two unanimous decision wins and will look to carry her momentum forward when he squares off against Andrea Lee at UFC San Antonio.
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Maycee Barber and Andrea Lee will meet in March 💥
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After a stellar performance in Dana White's Contender Series back in 2018, Maycee Barber was considered one of the brightest young prospects in the sport. An undefeated 20-year-old at the time, Barber showed tremendous potential and was being touted as a future champion.
Now 24 and no longer undefeated, Barber could benefit from not having the pressure of upholding a perfect record. Her upcoming fight against Andrea Lee, who is 10 years her senior, will provide a decent indicator of where stands in the division.
Lee has struggled with inconsistency throughout her UFC career, but has also beaten some very good fighters. Notably, she holds a win over Antonina Shevchenko, sister of flyweight queen Valentina Shevchenko. 'KGB' occupies the No.10 berth in the rankings, with Barber two spots behind her.
Barber's relentless wrestling and Lee's underrated submission game are the biggest factors heading into this fight, and all things considered, this one's 50-50 and the odds reflect the same. Given Barber's run of form, she has a slight edge in this one.
Our Pick: Maycee Barber via split-decision
#3. Jennifer Maia vs. Casey O'Neill
Casey O'Neill is among the most intriguing prospects in the flyweight division. The undefeated 25-year-old has looked increasingly impressive with every passing bout and is clearly destined for the top tier of the division. 'King Casey' will look to break into the top 10 when she takes on Jennifer Maia at UFC 286 in London.
With just four fights in the UFC, comprising three finishes, Casey O'Neill has established herself as a genuine threat to the title. In her last two outings, the Scottish-born Australian has beaten Antonina Shevchenko and Roxanne Moddaferi to work her way into the top 15.
O'Neill will be eager to claim Jennifer Maia's No.9 spot in the rankings when they lock horns later this month, having been sidelined with injuries since last spring. A win over a former title challenger like Maia could vault 'King Casey' into the championship mix, especially considering No.6-ranked Alexa Grasso is fighting for the title.
Maia is no pushover. The Brazilian had a good few minutes against Valentina Shevchenko in her lone title bid, but ultimately came up short. Since then, losses to Manon Fiorot and Katlyn Chookagian have seen her fall out of title contention altogether.
O'Neill will have the crowd behind her at the O2 Arena in London, but will need to be fully dialed in if she is to overcome Maia and extend her perfect record. She'll be looking to make a statement upon her return from injury, so expect her to chase a finish as well.
Our Pick: Casey O'Neill via second-round submission
#2. Viviane Araujo vs. Amanda Ribas
On the undercard of the upcoming title fight between Valentina Shevchenko and Alexa Grasso, Brazilian flyweights Viviane Araujo and Amanda Ribas will square off in a pivotal bout in both fighters' UFC careers.
Viviane Araujo vs. Amanda Ribas in the works for UFC 285.
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Araujo, now 36, occupies the No.8 spot in the flyweight rankings. She was known as quite the finisher prior to signing with the UFC, but apart from her UFC debut wherein she secured a knockout, all of her fights in the famed octagon have gone to a judges' decision.
On the flipside, Ribas has been quite lively since joining the UFC. The 29-year-old initially made her mark in the strawweight division before opting to move up. She would've broken into the flyweight top 15 if she had beaten perennial contender Katlyn Chookagian last year, but ultimately lost via a narrow split-decision.
Araujo and Ribas' records are almost identical, as both fighters have three knockouts, four submissions and 11 wins apiece under their belts. Given how evenly matched they are, this one could come down to youth, so we're going with the younger fighter.
Our Prediction: Amanda Ribas via unanimous decision
#1. Valentina Shevchenko vs. Alexa Grasso – UFC women's flyweight title fight
Valentina Shevchenko is among the greatest combat sports athletes ever and her UFC championship reign reflects her dominance perfectly. Since winning the women's flyweight belt five years ago, 'Bullet' has accrued seven title defenses and will look for her eighth when she takes on Alexa Grasso this weekend.
One-sided title defenses against Jessica Eye, Liz Carmouche, Katlyn Chookagian, Jennifer Maia, Jessica Andrade and Lauren Murphy led many to believe that Valentina Shenchenko doesn't have an equal in the flyweight division.
However, her narrow win over Taila Santos last year undoubtedly exposed a few holes in her game. While Alexa Grasso doesn't have the same skillset as Santos, she certainly has the mentality to pull off an upset. The Mexican is coming off four wins on the bounce and poses a unique threat to the champion.
Grasso boasts crisp boxing, which remains her primary tool against Shevchenko, who possesses a far more diverse skillset. A flawless performance from Grasso could see her edge a decision win, but ultimately, the flyweight queen's arsenal is just far too devastating.
Our Pick: Valentina Shevchenko via fourth-round TKO
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