The upcoming strawweight bout between England’s own Molly “Meatball” McCann and Brazil’s Alexia “Burguesinha” Thainara is set to be a highlight at UFC Fight Night 255 on March 22, 2025, at London’s O2 Arena. This fight presents a compelling narrative, pitting the seasoned McCann against the promotional newcomer Thainara, with both athletes eager to make a significant impact.
Molly McCann vs Alexia Thainara Preview
Molly McCann enters this bout with a professional record of 14 wins and 7 losses. Standing at 5’4″ with a reach of 62 inches, McCann has built her career on relentless pressure and striking prowess. However, recent performances have been challenging; she has suffered three losses in her last four fights, including a unanimous decision defeat to Bruna Brasil in July 2024. This downturn has placed McCann in a pivotal position where a victory is essential to reaffirm her status in the strawweight division.
Alexia Thainara, at 29 years old, brings an impressive 11-1 record into her UFC debut. Also standing at 5’4″ but with a notable reach advantage of 67 inches, Thainara has showcased a versatile skill set, blending striking and grappling effectively. Her recent performance in Dana White’s Contender Series was particularly impressive, earning her a spot on the UFC roster with a unanimous decision win over Rose Conceição. This bout marks a significant step up in competition for Thainara, providing her with an opportunity to establish herself among the elite in the division right away.
Betting Insights
The betting markets have positioned Alexia Thainara as the favorite, with odds reflecting her recent form and potential. According to available data, Thainara is listed at -200 at BetRivers, implying a 66.7% chance of victory. Conversely, Molly McCann is the underdog at +170, suggesting a 37% chance of winning. These odds indicate that bettors and analysts are leaning towards the younger, in-form fighter making a successful UFC debut.
Molly McCann vs Alexia Thainara Prediction
Alexia Thainara (-200) over Molly McCann
220K Gold Coins & 10 FREE Sweeps Coins
- McCann has lost three of her last four fights heading into this matchup.
- Thainara is an exciting prospect in UFC and we expect her to open her career in the promotion with a win.
This matchup presents an intriguing clash of experience versus momentum. McCann’s experience in the UFC and her familiarity with high-pressure situations, especially fighting in her home country, cannot be understated. Her aggressive style and ability to push the pace have troubled opponents in the past. However, her recent string of losses raises concerns about her current form and ability to adapt to evolving competition.
Thainara’s reach advantage and versatile skill set provide her with tools to control the fight’s distance and tempo. If she can utilize her jab effectively and keep McCann at bay, she could dictate the striking exchanges. Additionally, her grappling proficiency offers an alternative path to victory, particularly if she can exploit any defensive lapses from McCann.
Considering the available information and our view of both fighters, our prediction leans towards Alexia Thainara securing a victory, potentially by decision. Her recent performances and physical advantages suggest she has the attributes to overcome McCann’s experience. However, bettors should be cautious, as McCann’s resilience and the unpredictable nature of MMA always leave room for an upset.
