Women’s strawweight title contenders Claudia Gadelha (15-2, 2 KOs, 7 SUBs) and Jessica Andrade (16-6, 5 KOs, 7 SUBs) will meet at UFC Fight Night 117 on Friday, September 22, 2017 at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan. The card airs live on FXX. Bet on the latest UFC odds at BookMaker.eu now.
Two-time title challenger Claudia Gadelha, an athletic marvel with vicious BJJ, will meet Jessica Andrade, a mini-tank with concussive power, in a matchup that tops the main event in both title implications and potential for violence. In simpler terms, the two most physically savage strawweights are gonna collide in what will likely be the night’s best fight.
Let’s take a look at the UFC odds at BookMaker.eu, break down the matchup and go over your betting options.
UFC odds at BookMaker.eu
Claudia Gadelha -265
Jessica Andrade +185
Over/under 2.5 rounds, over -190, under +150
Fight Preview
Both Andrade and Gadelha have only lost to champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk at strawweight. They’ve dominated pretty much every other opponent. While each relies on a brand of physical dominance, they impose it in vastly different ways.
Gadelha is an explosive athlete with world-class BJJ skills. She is the only woman to consistently take down Jedrzejczyk, and that was possible because of her immense natural strength - she’s so powerful that she can simply drag fighters to the mat.
The 28-year old Brazilian is easily the most skilled grappler in the division - nobody can match her BJJ credentials, which include multiple world-championships. Combined with her athleticism, only a skilled practitioner can even hope to survive on the ground with her. In her last matchup, she became the first fighter to ever finish the durable Karolina Kowalkiewicz, and it took her less than a round to do so.
While submission wrestling is her forte, Gadelha is rapidly improving as a striker. Now training with a team that solely revolves around her, “Claudinha” has shown a stiff jab and better combinations. There’s still a lot of room for improvement, but she’s no longer uncomfortable in the striking phase.
Andrade’s cut from 135 pounds to the 115 pounds has been a massive success. Her stout, compact frame is much better-suited to a smaller division, and “Bate Estaca” can comfortably do what she does best: bully and beat up opponents.
The 25-year old is most comfortable when she is coming forward and winging power shots. It’s hard not to be reminded of somebody like John Lineker or Wanderlei Silva. Her frame is built to absorb punishment, and she’ll happily sit in the pocket and throw leather. She is also so powerful that she can easily pick up and slam fighters like JoJo Calderwood and Jessica Penne.
UFC Betting Tips
Gadelha has a longer list of accomplishments at the weight class, but this is a tough matchup for her. On the feet, she’s at a slight disadvantage against an aggressive puncher. And Andrade is so difficult to take down that Claudinha might not be able to use her BJJ. Expect Andrade to land more shots en route to an upset decision.
UFC Odds Pick: Andrade to win at +185
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UFC Fight Night 117 takes place on Friday, September 22, 2017 at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan. The card airs live on FXX.
