Author: Chandra Moulee Das
The UFC ends a three-week stint in Las Vegas with a return to UFC APEX, featuring a card headlined by bantamweight contenders Holly Holm and Brazilian Mayra Bueno Silva. Former champion Holly Holm is looking to solidify her position as the division’s top contender, while Mayra Bueno Silva is looking to make a significant statement in her inaugural UFC main event on Saturday night.
Women’s lightweight – Victoria Dudakova (Rus) VS Istela Nunes (BRAZ)
Unbeaten newcomer Viktoriia Dudakova is looking to extend her winning streak when she steps into the octagon for the first time this Saturday, facing tough Brazilian Istela Nunes. Dudakova boasts an unblemished record in MMA, going 6-0 as an amateur before repeating that success with a DWCS win over Maria Silva last August.
On the other hand, Nunes has shown promise in her previous UFC appearances, but has struggled to keep up the pace throughout the fight, coming into this bout on a three-fight losing streak.
Men’s lightweight Austin Lingo (USA) VS Melquizael Costa (BRAZ)
Austin Lingo and Melquizael Costa are set to face each other in an exciting preliminary card clash. Lingo will enter the fight after having his two-fight winning streak abruptly halted by Nate Landwehr in his previous fight.
Costa, who made his debut in a higher weight division against Thiago Moises, unfortunately succumbed to a submission in the second round. Both fighters possess a relentless, action-oriented style, driven by their determination to get back into the win column.
Women’s lightweight Norma Dumont (BRAZ) vs. Chelsea Chandler (USA)
In another featherweight bout, Norma Dumont takes on Chelsea Chandler, marking the second time in three weeks that the division has seen exciting action. At 32, Dumont comes into the bout on the back of two consecutive wins, having emerged victorious in five of her last six fights since her debut in the promotion.
At the beginning of October, Chandler made an impressive debut by beating Julija Stoliarenko by technical knockout in the first round and extended her winning streak to five fights. Both fighters are currently ranked in the bantamweight division, with Dumont in 13th place and Chandler in 15th.