UFC Fight Night: Gane vs Volkov- Julia Avila vs Julija Stoliarenko: Prelims Prediction and Analysis

The UFC has tasked bantamweights Julia Avila and Julija Stoliarenko with a preliminary card assignment for UFC Fight Night: Gane vs Volkov. The event is a follow-up to the UFC’s return to the Apex Facility following UFC 263 in Glendale, Arizona. As fans have come to expect action-packed fight cards, Avila vs Stoliarenko is earmarked to be a standout fight.

Amanda Nunes, who has looked nothing short of dominant, spearheads the women’s bantamweight division. The UFC is constantly looking for new contenders to emerge out of the woodwork to challenge ‘The Lioness’ for the belt. Avila and Stoliarenko have both shown flashes of their potential and they’ll be looking to make a run towards undisputed glory.

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UFC Vegas 30: Julia Avila vs Julija Stoliarenko

Avila is coming off a UD loss to Sijara Eubanks in her last fight that took place in September. Prior to the defeat, she was on a four-fight win streak and had secured a 22-second TKO over veteran Gina Mazany. Despite only having 10 pro fights, Julia Avila has proven that she’s got the tools to be a problem at 135-pounds.

Julia Avila relies heavily on her speed and accuracy, which often leads to rather creative striking maneuvers. Avila moves in and out of range with fluidity, thus making it hard to pick up on a pattern. Stoliarenko will have to be wary of Avila’s erratic striking to avoid getting caught with shots upon entry.

Julija Stoliarenko: On the war path

Julija Stoliarenko is coming off a loss in her last fight to Yana Kunitskaya in what was her UFC debut. Stoliarenko came into the organization on a five-fight win streak (four submissions). Moreover, she was involved in an all-out war with Lisa Verzosa at Invicta FC- Phoenix Series 3. Some hardcore fans considered their clash as a ‘Fight of the Year’ candidate.

Stoliarenko is nothing short of a menace on the ground with 8 of 9 wins coming through submission. She’s considered a connoisseur of the armbar submission as he’s snagged all 8 subs via the arm extension technique. Hence, Avila could find herself in a tight spot if she sticks around the cage walls for too long.

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Prediction: Julia Avila to claim a second-round TKO win