After a disappointing UFC Women’s Bantamweight championship loss to Ronda Rousey at UFC, Liz Carmouche will attempt to begin her journey back into the title picture with a win over up-and-comer Jessica Andrade.
The bout is set to kick off the main card on the nationally televised channel so the opportunity is there for either fighter to vault themselves into the public eye with a win.
For Carmouche, whose profile is already fairly public thanks in part to Rousey‘s stardom, it’s an opportunity to show that she’s more than just the “woman that lost to Rousey.” For the relatively unknown Andrade, it’s a chance to pull off the biggest upset in the short history of the women’s division.
She took the fight as a replacement for Miesha Tate, who was moved from the card to coach opposite of Ronda Rousey in an upcoming season for The Ultimate Fighter, per MMA Junkie.
So without further ado, here’s a closer look at this crucial bout.
Odds (via Bovada): Carmouche -600, Andrade +400
This actually marks the biggest line in the entire night as Vegas appears to love the fact that Carmouche is a much more well-known commodity than the 21-year-old Andrade.
Carmouche has much more experience fighting on the big stage. Not only was she involved in the UFC championship bout, but she also fought for a belt in Strikeforce before the UFC had a women’s division and went 2-0 in Invicta.
Andrade on the other hand has yet to fight in the United States and has only fought outside of her native Brazil once. The transition from her experiences to fighting in the Octagon may be severe.
Preview
In terms of what to expect, both women are adept at finishing fights.
Neither have extensive MMA records, but Carmouche has finished her opponent in seven of her eight wins while all nine of Andrade‘s wins have come by finish. In other words, we’re going to be treated to two fighters trying to end the fight.
However, the aggression has been costly at times for both fighters. Carmouche has been finished twice as she was caught by Rousey‘s infamous armbar and submitted by Marloes Coenen with Sarah Kaufman representing her third loss by way of decision.
Andrade was knocked out by Kinberly Tanaka Novaes and dropped a decision to Jennifer Maia. She’ll pose the greatest threat to Carmouche is on the ground where she’s racked up five wins by submission.
Prediction
This is actually a lot tougher to call than the odds might indicate. Carmouche is tested against greater competition, but the rate at which Andrade has risen up the ranks is alarming and she actually has a better record.
However, it’s hard to imagine she leaps right into the big stage with a win. She should shine in spots, making those who back Carmouche sweat it out a little, but it’s tough to envision Carmouche picking up a loss after putting Rousey in some trouble in their bout.
Look for Andrade to get the better of the grappling in the first round before Carmouche goes to the striking game in the second frame to get the finish.
Carmouche by second-round TKO
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