The MMA Daily

This is good matchmaking. Obviously we have two talented fighters competing against each other, but it also seems like a fight setup to potentially pump out a fresh contender in the division. Jessica Andrade will have something to say about that though, as the former Strawweight Champion has proven that she is good enough to win UFC gold. With immense physical strength, power and aggression, Andrade is a handful for anyone who stands across from her. Cynthia Calvillo won’t be intimidated however, as the Californian is as game for a scrap as anyone. Boasting wrestling, grappling and dangerous submission abilities, Calvillo has what it takes to be among the elite of the division. The question is, will she fight to her strength’s or have the belief she can strike with the more polished striker?

As for a prediction, I have Andrade. The Brazilian has too many advantages in this fight. For one, Calvillo isn’t your typical Flyweight. She was essentially forced to move up from Strawweight due to her inability to make weight. In other words, Andrade’s strength advantage is going to be apparent. Unless Calvillo brings forth deceptive takedown attempts, I don’t see her being able to takedown Andrade. I could see the opposite however, with Andrade taking Calvillo down. On the feet, Andrade is substantially better. She’s a high output striker, who applies pressure on opponents. Carrying legitimate knockout power, Andrade makes for one of the more scarier fighters to strike with on the feet. Given Calvillo has no semblance of power, I don’t see her disrupting Andrade from absolutely swarming her. So with that said, I predict that Andrade will win via late TKO.