UFC Vegas 5: Joanne Calderwood vs Jennifer Maia Prediction

The UFC is set to return to home base with UFC Vegas 5 on August 1 in the Apex Facility. The fight card is headlined by Middleweight contenders Derek Brunson and Edmen Shahbazyan in a 25-foot cage primed for action. Not to mention, the co-main event will see an exciting Flyweight match-up with consequential stakes in the overall title picture.

The scrappy Scottish fighter Joanne Calderwood will face off against veteran Jennifer Maia in a 3-round affair. The winner of the fight has placed themselves on the threshold to contest for undisputed championship gold. The divisional champion Valentina Shevchenko is in need of a game challenger to inject intrigue back into the 125-pound weight class.

UFC Flyweights: Joanne Calderwood x Jennifer Maia

The 14-4 fighter in Calderwood was next in line to square off against ‘The Bullet’ for the undisputed crown. She however decided to take on top contender Jennifer Maia instead of waiting out for her shot at the title. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to several fighters having to adjust their future plans within the organization.

In terms of the fight, ‘JoJo’ will immediately have a perceived advantage in the stand-up realm against Maia. Her brawl heavy style coupled with her durability enables her to maintain considerable forward pressure on her opponents. Additionally, she will be able to match, if not exceed Maia’s cardio if the fight is to go the distance.

Jennifer Maia is the betting dog going into the fight against her opponent who was next in line. She has gone 2-2 in her 4 bouts with the organization, looking competitive in all her fights. Moreover, she has managed to maintain a largely consistent pace throughout, going the distance in her last 8 fights.

Her last fight against title challenger Katlyn Chookagian saw her fade as the rounds began to cease. Chiefly, she has shown to be outworked in close range and may come at a strength deficit to Joanne Calderwood.

Based on their propensity to see the final bell of the fight, coupled with Calderwood’s prowess in close range. A safe pick to win the day and advance in the division would be Scotland’s very own Joanne Calderwood.

Prediction: Joanne Calderwood to claim a unanimous decision victory

Also Read: “I’m Gonna Fight Your F***ing A**”- Joanne Calderwood Imitates Nate Diaz Rant In Hilarious Video

Sources: Jennifer Maia Sherdog, Joanne Calderwood Sherdog