Preview: UFC on ESPN 49 Prelims

Women’s Strawweights

Victoria Dudakova (6-0, 0-0 UFC) vs. Istela Nunes (6-4, 0-3 UFC)

ODDS: Dudakova (-210), Nunes (+180)

Nunes is one of a few fighters on this card who has steadily improved during her time in the UFC, but she has yet to turn that into much success. Nunes is at her best when given time and space with which to work, as she has proven to be a dangerous striker from range. However, opponents in the UFC have given her little opportunity to stay comfortable, forcing Nunes to learn how to stay calm under pressure. Nunes has made strides in doing so, though it does seem like the UFC matchmakers have not done her many favors, pairing her with increasingly difficult competition; despite losing her first two UFC bouts, Nunes was essentially thrown to the wolves against top prospect Yazmin Jauregui in December. Nunes gets a step back here against a Russian newcomer in Dudakova, though this still has the potential to be a tough fight. Dudakova is firmly in the flier category as far as signees from the 2022 season of Dana White’s Contender Series are concerned, but she certainly has some skills. She is a dogged and determined wrestler, and she managed to grind out a win to earn a UFC contract despite tearing her ACL early in the bout. There is not much to Dudakova’s striking game yet, so this seems like a fairly binary bout. Either the Russian gets this to the mat and grinds out another victory or Nunes coasts out a win on the feet. It is a coinflip, but Nunes’ improvements under pressure earn her the benefit of the doubt. The pick is Nunes via decision.

Jump To »
Baghdasaryan vs. Lutz
Dudakova vs. Nunes
Costa vs. Lingo
Della Maddalena vs. Hafez
Elder vs. Valdez
Maksum vs. Nam
Munoz vs. Deaton
Perez vs. Evans-Smith