Preview: UFC Fight Night 239 Prelims

Women’s Bantamweights

#13 WBW | Josiane Nunes (10-1, 3-0 UFC) vs. #14 WBW | Chelsea Chandler (5-2, 1-1 UFC)

ODDS: Nunes (-135), Chandler (+114)

With the UFC seemingly shuttering its women’s featherweight division, two fun fighters start their runs as full-time bantamweights here. Nunes will likely hit a wall at some point given her one-dimensional game, but the Brazilian has made things work to a surprising degree thus far. “Josi” looks to do little but swing for power, and despite a 5-foot-2 frame that leaves her at a clear physical disadvantage, nobody has been able to stand up to it yet. Even if Nunes cannot find a quick knockout, she is able to carry her power into multiple rounds and keep hitting her opponent hard. Chandler makes for an interesting opponent, since the Californian might be able to mix things up and take Nunes to the ground. Chandler is a fairly dedicated pressure fighter in her own right, capable of throwing hands or scoring takedowns against most opposition. However, Chandler got turned back rather handily by Norma Dumont in July, which does raise some concerns about her ability to play the bully as she moves up the UFC ladder. Nunes’ wrestling defense has looked subpar during the times it has been tested, and Chandler possesses an ability to finish things on the ground that the Brazilian’s previous opponents lacked. Still, the read is that Nunes can hit hard enough to scare Chandler out of her maximum effectiveness and survive whatever dicey moments come her way. The pick is Nunes via decision.

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