Canada’s own, Jasmine Jasudavicius returns to action for the second time in 2023, this time to fight for a place in the top 15. The St. Catharines native will look to progress from her recent victory over Gabriella Fernandes last time out in February.
It’ll be a tall order, however, as Jasdavicius will meet top contender and highly touted prospect, Miranda Maverick. Maverick is riding a two fight winning run. After losing two on the bounce, Maverick has seemingly bounced back well and appears to have refound her previous form. Currently ranked #15, the 25-year-old can cement herself as a contender with a win in Vancouver. Her 33-year-old opponent will be looking to take her ranking away with a win, however.
From the Contender Series to fighting at home
With a record of 5-1, Jasudavicius had the opportunity to fight on Dana White’s Contender Series back in September 2021. Taking on 8-2 Julia Polastri, the Canadian was able to secure the victory and consequently a UFC contract and was set for her debut.
She debuted on a PPV, UFC 270 against young up-and-comer, Kay Hansen. Hansen was the favourite heading into the fight, however, her inability to get inside of Jasudavicius’ range, inability to get the fight to the floor and deficit in being able to get back to her feet after being taken down saw her lose the fight.
For the Canadian, next came Natalia Silva. Silvs was making her promotional debut, however, her credentials were well known. The Brazillian was 11-5-1 and was the Jungle Fight flyweight champion. She comprehensively outstruck the Niagara Top Team prospect, landing 120 strikes to Jasudavicius’ 40. It was a dominant victory for the Brazillian. Silva has since progressed to 3-0 in the UFC and looks to break the top 15 soon.
Another debutant was next for Jasudavicius, who was looking to bounce back from just her second professional loss. Gabriella Fernandes would be the woman standing across from Canada’s own, however, it would go in favour of the woman who drapes herself in red and white. We saw a much more wrestling-heavy game from Jasudavicius, landing four of eight takedowns and notched 11:31 control time. She also outlanded her opponent 149-54 on her way to a unanimous decision victory.
UFC 289
With a match-up at ‘home’ in Canada, expect Jasudavicius to be extra motivated for this one. It’s the first time the promotion will touch down on Canadian soil since September 2019. She’ll have to be on top of her game, however, as Maverick is a very tough test. The Canadian will hold a height and reach advantage over her opponent and will have to use it as Maverick has an impressive average of 2.70 takedowns per 15 minutes.
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