The MMA Daily

We have a pivotal fight in the Women’s Flyweight division, as former title challenger Katlyn “Blonde Fighter” Chookagian takes on Amanda Ribas. A winner of three straight and four of the last five, Chookagian appears to be closing in on another title shot. Having continually defeated potential contenders, Chookagian has held down her number one ranking in the Flyweight division. A win here, would make it awfully difficult to deny Blonde Fighter of a rightful second chance to dethrone Valentina Shevchenko. Meanwhile, Ribas is coming off an impressive victory over Virna Jandiroba. Returning to the Flyweight division, Ribas has been given a massive opportunity. One in which would catapult the Brazilian inside the top five, maybe even the number one spot.

As for a prediction, I have Ribas winning. Despite the six inch height disadvantage, Ribas brings a more well rounded and dangerous aspect to this fight. Physically strong, Ribas has had little issues getting opponents to the ground. In all six of her UFC fights, she has landed one or more takedowns. Mainly a striker, Ribas brings forth high ouput with a little blend of power. Averaging 4.65 significant strikes per minute, and eclipsing over 70 strikes three times, Ribas isn’t afraid to let her hands go.

The one knock on Ribas, could be her chin. She has been stopped via strikes twice in her career and dropped in each of her last two fights. However, Chookagian is far from a knockout artist. Of her seventeen wins, only two have come via knockout. The last of which came back in 2016 on the regional scene. An active striker herself, Chookagian averages 4.59 significant strikes per minute. A solid number, but given her 35% accuracy, means she hits air more often than not. Looking to keep range and pick foes apart, Chookagian has found success against those unwilling to pressure. Ribas being of the stalking variety, will be problematic. Throw in the fact that despite the chin concerns, Ribas is one of the more unhittable fighters with a 70% striking defense, and I believe Chookagian may hit more air than ever. With that said, give me the more complete fighter in Ribas to score the upset via decision.