The MMA Daily

The curtain jerker comes in the Women’s Strawweight division, as Elise Reed takes on Sam “Sampage” Hughes. Coming off a victory over Cory McKenna, which was her first in the UFC, Reed returns to the octagon two months later. Looking to remain undefeated at Strawweight, Reed will look to secure her first winning streak inside the octagon. Meanwhile, Hughes snapped a three-fight skid, defeating Istela Nunes by a majority decision. The win was Hughes’ first inside the octagon, and a much needed one, as her UFC tenure likely hung in the balance. Returning a month later to build upon the victory, Hughes will seek her first UFC winning streak.

As for a prediction, I have Reed winning. Returning to the Strawweight division, after fighting up at Flyweight in her UFC debut, Reed looked much better at her more natural weight class. While taken down three times, Reed did a good job getting back to her feet, and getting off her offense on the feet. Showing off quick hands and good leg kicks, Reed fired off 76 significant strikes, Against Hughes, I expect that number to rise. Absorbing 5.7 significant strikes, Hughes has notably lacked striking defense. Where she gets credit though, is her toughness and willingness to win. While those are two important traits, unless Hughes plans on wrestling in this fight, I don’t see her outpointing Reed. So with that said, I predict that Reed wins via decision.