Preview: UFC Fight Night 239 Prelims

Women’s Strawweights

Cory McKenna (8-2, 3-1 UFC) vs. Jaqueline Amorim (7-1, 1-1 UFC)

ODDS: McKenna (-125), Amorim (+105)

Two interesting strawweight prospects go at it in this pairing. Amorim has already had some highs and lows after just two fights in the UFC. A highly touted grappler who rode a string of quick finishes to a UFC contract, Amorim nearly picked up another quick submission against Sam Hughes before gassing terribly and suffering her first career loss. Her sophomore effort against Montserrat Ruiz went much better. Amorim still flagged by the third round, but she was able to consistently stay ahead in a wrestling-heavy affair before pounding out a finish in the third round. Given how those two fights went, it will be interesting to see how Amorim fares in this fight against McKenna, a talented grappler in her own right who also looks to be physically overmatched. Signed by the UFC shortly after her 21st birthday in 2021, the Welshwoman figured to have an uphill battle to compete at the UFC level. She is technically sound but behind the proverbial eight-ball in terms of physical talent, as she is one of the most compactly built fighters on the roster. She will be at a 10-inch reach disadvantage here despite both women being the same height. McKenna has surprisingly made things work thus far, even while constantly trying to overcome an athletic deficit. Elise Reed was able to outquick McKenna with a range-heavy striking style, but she has otherwise held her own against opponents willing to pursue her head-on. It would not be a shock if this turned out more like the Hughes loss for Amorim than the win over Ruiz, but the bet is that the Brazilian can at least bank two rounds until McKenna starts to turn things around. With that said, this likely winds up as a close fight. The pick is Amorim via decision.

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McKenna vs. Amorim
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