Tomorrow night on the main card of UFC 283, we are going to see a pivotal battle in the women’s flyweight division. Former strawweight champion and flyweight title challenger Jessica Andrade (23-9) takes on another former title challenger in “Lucky” Lauren Murphy (16-5).
Lauren Murphy rode a huge wave of momentum in 2021 that led to her getting a title shot against Valentina Shevchenko. Now, Murphy claims that in the fight she was not 100% and she was utterly dominated by the champion before getting finished in the fourth round.
Last July, she returned and welcomed former UFC champion Miesha Tate to the flyweight division. Murphy looked sensational in that fight and battered Tate over the course of three rounds. Now, she takes on one of the scariest fighters in the division.
In looking at the women’s divisions in the UFC, there are a few fighters you think of when you think of finishers. Jessica Andrade is definitely one that you think of. She’s fought at 135, 125, and 115 against the best in the world. She even has a win over PFL Lightweight champion Larissa Pacheco. Think about that.
Andrade fought at strawweight in her last fight against the dangerous Amanda Lemos and finished her in the first round. Prior to that, she finished Cynthia Calvillo in the first round. She’s 3-1 in her last four. A lopsided loss to Valentina Shevchenko is sandwiched between three first round finishes.
UFC 283 Prediction
In analyzing this matchup, Lauren Murphy has to be able to secure top position with her wrestling. She has sensational wrestling and she’s very strong. Murphy needs to use a lot of pressure and try to get Andrade to the ground where she can impose her will.
Of course, that’s way easier said than done. Andrade is going to have the advantage on the feet. From technique to speed and power, Andrade has the advantage. In pure strength, you’re probably wise to favor Andrade as well. You can start to see why this is a high mountain for Murphy to climb tomorrow night.
I think the table is set for another win for the former UFC champion. Murphy is tough as hell, but I’m not sure even she can survive all three rounds with Andrade. I see Andrade connecting with something big in the second round and getting a finish in front of her home fans in Brazil.
Prediction: Jessica Andrade by TKO – Round 2