Molly McCann takes on Lara Procopio in a flyweight bout at UFC Vegas 18. The women’s flyweight division is an extremely talent stacked division, with all fighters chasing the seemingly undefeatable Valentina Shevchenko.
Both McCann and Procopio are unranked in the division at the moment and suffered losses in their recent outings. The fight this weekend not only allows them to get back into the win column, but also take a step closer to attaining a rank in the UFC.
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Ahead of their upcoming fight, we analyze the strengths and weaknesses and the potential route to victory for both fighters involved in the bout. The clash between ‘Meatball’ and Procopio is surely one to look out for at UFC Vegas 18.
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Molly McCann vs Lara Procopio will be a cracker of a fight at UFC Vegas 18
Molly McCann made her UFC debut in 2018 when she succumbed to a loss against Gillian Robertson. She then bounced back impressively and won her next three fights. However, in her most recent outing in July 2020, she succumbed to a loss against Taila Santos. She will be aiming to bounce back, just as she has done in the past.
Lara Procopio made her UFC debut in August 2019 against Karol Rosa. She succumbed to a split decision loss and has not competed in the UFC octagon ever since. She will be eager to get back into the cage and secure her maiden UFC win.
‘Meatball’ has secured most of her wins via decision (60%), followed by T/KOs (40%). She is an incredibly dangerous striker and has averaged 5.3 significant strikes per minute. While absorbing just 4.17 in return. The British fighter has also averaged 1.36 takedowns per 15 minutes and 1.36 submission attempts in the same time frame.
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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – JULY 16: (R-L) Molly McCann of England punches Taila Santos of Brazil in their flyweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event inside Flash Forum on UFC Fight Island on July 16, 2020 in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Procopio is also an extremely dangerous striker. She has averaged 11 significant strikes landed per minute in her sole UFC fight. However, she has absorbed a concerning 11.40 significant strikes per minute in return.
Going into the fight she will have a 5.5-inch reach advantage, which is sure to serve her well. Based on recent performances and experience, McCann should be able to hand Procopio her second UFC loss this weekend.
Prediction: Molly McCann via decision
