UFC Fight Night 140: Magny vs. Ponzinibbio - Predictions and Picks

#6 Cynthia Calvillo vs. Poliana Botelho

Cynthia Calvillo earned a lot of hype for her three wins in 2017

Compared in some circles to a female version of the Diaz brothers, Calvillo made some waves in the UFC in 2017 by winning three straight fights using her combination-based striking and a nasty ground game. Submissions of Amanda Cooper and Pearl Gonzalez were followed by a tough win over Joanne Calderwood, but a lopsided loss to former champion Carla Esparza was enough to knock her out of title contention for the time being.

A failed test for marijuana has left her on the sidelines since, but she returns here to face Brazilian Botelho, a fellow prospect who looked very impressive in taking out Syuri Kondo with strikes back in May. Botelho is currently 7-1, although she hasn’t fought opposition nearly as tough as the women Calvillo has faced.

Calvillo could well turn out to be more of a female Jason Knight than a female Diaz brother – Knight has shown himself to have distinct problems with defense and he’s too willing to fight from his back – but I don’t think this is the fight to expose that.

More likely, Calvillo will have just enough of an advantage in all areas to be able to wear the Brazilian down. The Team Alpha Male product seems to be a better athlete than her Brazilian counterpart, and I think the pace that she’s been known to push, particularly on the feet, could be the key to opening Botelho up for a takedown and then a submission, or at least grappling dominance.

The Pick: Calvillo via unanimous decision