UFC on ESPN 5 is set to be headlined by former interim welterweight champion Colby Covington and former undisputed champion Robbie Lawler. The event will take place in Newark, New Jersey and will showcase some highly competitive match ups. On the show will be a number of intriguing fights featuring some well known female stars. With three women’s fights scheduled for the card, including wily veterans and two promotional debuts, we take a more in-depth look at what’s to come.
The Women of UFC on ESPN 5
Shevchenko vs. Pudilova
Antonina Shevchenko is set to face off against Lucie Pudilova at UFC on ESPN 5. Shevchenko is looking to bounce back from her first professional MMA loss. This came at the hands of MMA veteran Roxanne Modafferi via split decision at UFC on ESPN+ 7. A product of Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series, Shevchenko impressed in her UFC debut. She dominated Ji Yeon Kim over three rounds, cruising to a unanimous decision victory. When she faced Modafferi however things didn’t go to plan. Modafferi leaned on her 38 fight MMA experience to edge out the decision. Shevchenko will be looking to her sister, flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko,for inspiration. Valentina is coming off an emphatic head kick KO at UFC 238.
Lucie Pudilova has had an up and down UFC career. In her promotional debut, she lost a unanimous decision to Lina Lansberg, despite cutting up the Swede badly in the fight. She then strung two victories together before an enthralling match-up with Irene Aldana. Although she eventually lost this fight via razor-close split decision, in what was the fight of the night. Pudilova was the poster girl for the UFC’s debut in the Czech Republic, but again ultimately came up short in her bid to defeat title challenger Liz Carmouche. In what should be an interesting clash of styles and what could be fight of the night, these two women are likely to put on a show.
Romero Borella vs. Murphy
Mara Romero Borella will clash in another fight that will highlight what the women of the UFC have to offer. Her opponent at UFC on ESPN 5 will be TUF and six-fight UFC veteran, Lauren Murphy. Borella is an impressive 6-1-1 in her last eight fights, including three finishes. Her only loss coming to the highly-rated Katlyn Chookagian. Fighting out of American Top Team, you can guarantee that Borella is coming prepared, with a solid game plan at UFC on ESPN 5. Currently ranked #10 in the flyweight division, Borella will be looking to kick on and make a run for the title with a win over Murphy.
UFC, TUF and Invicta veteran Murphy is no joke. Having faced some of the most solid competition the UFC has to offer, including two former title challengers, Murphy has been out of luck as of late. Struggling to string wins together, it has been six years since Murphy won two on the spin. The number #10 flyweight competitor has been out since losing to Sijara Eubanks in June of last year. She was scheduled to face Ashlee Evans-Smith at UFC on ESPN 1, however, had to withdraw due to injury. The former Invicta flyweight champion will be looking to lean on the experience gained over her nine-year career to get the victory and climb the rankings.
Goldy vs. Granger
In what is one of the most intriguing fights at UFC on ESPN 5, two debutants clash at flyweight. Hannah ‘Queen of Sparta’ Goldy will face off against Miranda ‘Danger’ Granger, who both put their undefeated records on the line. Another product of the contender series, Goldy is 5-0 and has been impressive throughout. In her contender series fight, she showed quick striking and was able to counter strike extremely effectively. Despite getting her back taken in the first round, Goldy managed to stay calm and rally to get the victory. She also holds a unanimous decision victory over current UFC flyweight Gillian Robertson.
Granger has been a professional for under two years but is already one of the most exciting prospects in the sport. With a flawless 6-0 record, including six finishes, Granger captured the CFFC strawweight belt in her most recent bout. On this occasion, she submitted Heloisa Azevedo in just 41 seconds and clearly impressed the UFC matchmakers. Taking the fight on two weeks notice, this will be Granger’s debut at flyweight.
These two relative unknowns provide one of the most intriguing match-ups on the card. They will showcase just how good the depth of women’s MMA is, especially in the UFC. Be sure to tune into this one, as a future star may just emerge!
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