UFC 265 event is set to be one of the most interesting MMA events of the year featuring many exciting matchups. The early prelim card starts with a women’s flyweight bout in Houston, Texas. In which Victoria Leonardo will meet Melissa Gatto in the first bout of the night. Now, before the fight, let’s analyze both the fighters’ strengths and weaknesses, including predictions and picks.
Victoria is 31 years old and started her professional MMA journey back in 2018 as she faced Hailey Cowan at The LFA 40 event. Since then the fighter has won 8 fights. Fury has 4 submission wins to her name and has won 2 of her last 3 fights. However, she wasn’t able to deliver in her UFC debut as she lost to Manon Fiorot. As a result, she will be looking forward to sealing her first UFC victory this Saturday.
On the other hand, Mellisa Gatto will finally make her debut in UFC. Melissa has fought in regional organizations in Latin America before. Back in 2019, Mellisa was supposed to fight Talita Bernardo in her UFC debut but that bout was canceled. So, the 25-year fighter must be looking to give an impactful performance on her UFC debut.
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UFC 265: Victoria Leonardo vs Melissa Gatto Stats
| Stats | Victoria Leonardo | Melissa Gatto |
|---|---|---|
| Wins | 8 | 6 |
| Losses | 4 | 0 |
| Height | 5’5″ (165cm) | 5’5″ (165cm) |
| Division | Flyweight | Flyweight |
| Weigh-in results | 125.0 lbs | 124.0 lbs |
| Stance | Orthodox | Orthodox |
UFC 265: Victoria Leonardo vs Melissa Gatto Fight Breakdown and Prediction
Melissa Gatto is out of combat sports since September 2018. She last competed at the Nacao Cyborg 3 event and defeated Karolline Rosa via a 1st round submission. Now, she might have used this time to sharpen her skill. But, there is a high chance of getting rusty in such a long period of time. However, being a purple being belt in BJJ fight fans can expect her to be good in the ground. Certainly, Mellisa has a clean record but it is also true that she hasn’t fought anyone stronger than Victoria.
On the other hand, Victoria has also an ‘A’ ground game as she has won 4 fights via submission. So, it is safe to say that she can avoid Mellisa’s submission attempts. Also, when it comes to striking Leonardo is better. But, it is unknown to everyone how much Gattos’s game has changed over this long hiatus. if that’s not the case then Mellisa will have a bad time inside the octagon.
As Leonardo has a good ground game, Gatto’s skills on the ground would prove ineffective. As a result, this contest could turn out to be a battle between strikers. Hence Victoria Leonardo will have her first victory at UFC.
Victoria Leonardo vs Melissa Gatto Prediction: Victoria Leonardo by decision.
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