UFC Fight Night Prelims: Randa Markos vs Luana Pinheiro Stats, Prediction & Breakdown

UFC Vegas 25 takes place this weekend inside UFC APEX in Las Vegas. Dominick Reyes headlines the main event alongside Jiri Prochazka in a five-round main event in what promises to be an exciting match-up between two of the best light heavyweight contenders in the UFC right now. Needless to say, the card is packed with other action-packed fights, one of those being the main event of the preliminary card in the form of Randa Markos vs Luana Pinheiro.

Ahead of what promises to be an exciting match-up between the two strawweight contenders, let’s compare their performances and try to deduce who gets her hand raised this weekend at UFC Vegas 25.

Randa Markos stats

Randa Markos hasn’t had much success in her last few fights inside the Octagon. The 35-year old MMA veteran has suffered losses in her last three outings, with her last win coming against Ashley Yoder via split decision back in October of 2019.

Markos will be competing in her 22nd professional fights, having tasted victory on 10 occasions, with a majority draw against Marina Rodriguez. She has four submissions wins to her name, and has never been knocked out inside the cage.

Luana Pinheiro stats

Luana Pinheiro makes her UFC debut after securing the contract with a vicious KO win in the first round at Dana White’s Contender Series back in November of 2020. The 28-year old fighter has shown signs of a future champion and will look to stand up on the expectation as she main-events the preliminary card in her UFC debut this weekend against a seasoned fighter in the form of Randa Markos.

Luana Pinheiro has only lost once in her mixed martial arts career and is currently riding on a six-fight win streak with back-to-back KO wins to her name. The bout against Randa Markos will mark her tenth professional appearance.

Randa Markos vs Luana Pinheiro prediction

Randa Markos has faced tough competition throughout her mixed martial arts career. Needless to say, it wouldn’t come as a surprise if Randa Markos is able to withstand the aggressive approach of Luana Pinheiro. However, there’s a reason to believe that Pinheiro’s power could prove to be too much for the 35-year old veteran who just hasn’t looked as sharp as we have known her in her recent performances.

Pinheiro comes inside the Octagon with vicious knockout power, something that is scarce in the women’s division, and excellent submission skills. She has a 88% finishing rate, with just one fight going to the judges’ scorecards.

While we expect a strong start from Randa Markos and a steady approach from Luana Pinheiro, the debutante should take the win this weekend owing to her explosive power.

Randa Markos vs Luana Pinheiro prediction: Luana Pinheiro via stoppage