Tomorrow night on the main card of UFC 255, there is a flyweight matchup which is pivotal for the division. Two of the top four ranked contenders in the division go head to head as Katlyn Chookagian (14-4) takes on Cynthia Calvillo (9-1-1).
Calvillo made her UFC flyweight debut back in the summer. She originally competed the in strawweight division, however, she struggled with making the weight. After missing weight a couple of times, Calvillo was forced to move up to flyweight.
In her divisional debut, she was tasked with taking on former title challenger, Jessica Eye. Eye was the UFC‘s top flyweight contender at the time so Calvillo jumped right in to the deep end in her debut at 125.
Calvillo and Eye headlined the card and Calvillo was able to grind out a decision over five rounds. She used her superior grappling and strength to take the decision from the former title challenger. A win tomorrow night could make Calvillo one of the next in line for the title.
Katlyn Chookagian is standing in her way. Chookagian was the top ranked contender in the flyweight division a month ago. That is until she ran into former UFC strawweight champion, Jessica Andrade.
Andrade was also moving up from 115 pounds and stopped Chookagian in the first round. Chookagian is still ranked second in the division, however, if she loses tomorrow night, she would just be 1-3 in her last four fights.
UFC 255 Prediction
When it comes to UFC 255, I think a lot of it is going to come down to how the fight takes place. I think if Chookagian wants to get back on track, she’s got to do it with her distance striking. Chookagian is very long for the flyweight division.
If she can keep the fight standing, I think she has a good chance to outpoint Calvillo. However, keeping the fight standing is easier said that done. Jessica Andrade was able to slam Chookagian down to the ground a couple of times within a round last month.
Calvillo might not be as strong as Andrade, but she has tremendous wrestling skills. She has to get the fight to the mat and use her top control to win this one. I think Chookagian will have success on the feet, but I think Calvillo’s wrestling gives her the edge tomorrow night.
Prediction: Cynthia Calvillo by Unanimous Decision