The MMA Daily

The Women’s Bantamweight division features a clash between Jessica-Rose Clark and Julija Stoliarenko. Having dealt with several injuries, Clark has been limited to one fight per year, for the last three years. However, when Clark enters the octagon on Saturday, she will have made her second appearance of 2022. Despite faltering in her last fight, Clark has won two of the last three. A victory here would not only get Clark back on track, but reposition her an opportunity at a bigger name. Meanwhile, Stoliarenko comes into her fourth UFC appearance, still seeking her first victory inside the illustrious octagon. Undoubtedly feeling the pressure, Stoliarenko must win this fight. Otherwise, her less than two year tenure with the promotion will likely end.

This fight all comes down to if Clark can avoid grappling with Stoliarenko. As we’ve seen in the Lithuanian’s three fights, her route to victory is on the ground. With eight of her nine wins coming via submission, Stoliarenko isn’t someone you want to test your grappling abilities with. Seeing that Clark was submitted by armbar in her most recent fight gives me pause for concern. However, before evolving her wrestling abilities, she was known for her standup. That alone will get the job done in this fight, but Stoliarenko is known to pull guard. It would be upon Clark to avoid that situation and/or immediately get up if it does happen. In a fight that could end on a dime or see Clark outpoint Stoliarenko, I’m going with the latter. So with that said, give me Clark to win via decision.