The UFC is back in action after a wild UFC 302 card as we head to the city of Louisville, KY for another Fight Night card. We're bringing another betting prediction and pick for this next fight in the Women's Strawweight (115) Division. Fellow countrywomen from Brazil collide as Eduarda Moura takes on Denise Gomes. Check out our UFC odds series for our Moura-Gomes prediction and pick.
Eduarda Moura (10-0) is perfect through her pro career and won her UFC debut following a contract win on Dana White's Contender Series last season. She TKO'd Montserrat Conejo Ruiz in her debut and now has five consecutive wins by finish heading into this one. She'll be looking to stay undefeated as the division's rising prospect. Moura stands 5'6″ with a 67-inch reach.
Denise Gomes (8-3) has gone 2-2 in her UFC bouts since 2022. She took down Bruna Brasil and Yazmin Jauregui in back-to-back fights with knockout punches, but dropped her most recent bout to Angela Hill via unanimous decision. She's got the edge in experience and will look to get back into the win column here. Gomes stands 5'2″ with a 63-inch reach.
Here are the UFC Louisville Odds, courtesy of BetOnline.
UFC Louisville Odds: Eduarda Moura-Denise Gomes Odds
Eduarda Moura: -170
Denise Gomes: +145
Over 2.5 rounds: -130
Under 2.5 rounds: +100
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Why Eduarda Moura Will Win
Eduarda Moura has finished all but one of her 1o fights by way of finish and she made a similar impression in her UFC debut when she finished Montserrat Ruiz in the second round. Moura came into that fight missing weight and forfeiting a portion of her purse, so it'll be interesting to see what changes she makes in terms of her camp and physical shape heading into this fight. Moura is an uber-aggressive striker and can finish efficiently on the ground as well. She'll have a willing dance partner in Denise Gomes as both fighters will look to open their striking game up.
Billed as the betting favorite in just her second UFC fight, Moura's skill set is much higher than her experience indicates and she fights with a veteran mindset. She's conscious of her defensive efforts and she doesn't waste movements when chasing the submission on the ground. Look for her to immediately work on taking this fight to the ground and putting Gomes where she's least comfortable. Either way, Eduarda Moura will only be hunting for the finish during this one.
Why Denise Gomes Will Win
Denise Gomes had a similar welcome to the UFC as her opponent here and she's been able to carve a path for herself in this division. After losing her debut fight, she won consecutive bouts against skilled strikers and put her own hands on display through the victories. Gomes has an aggressive style and is very centered in her boxing. She has extremely active hands and is more than willing to stand and trade strikes in the pocket. Gomes does a great job of moving her head and avoiding strikes, so don't be surprised if she begins to frustrate Moura during the striking exchanges.
Most of Gomes' fights up to the point have been back-and-forth brawls in which she's taking a lot of risks for potentially being knocked out. Still, Gomes only losses have come by decision and she has yet to be finished in her pro career. Denise Gomes will have to be smart about picking her shots her and with how frantic Eduarda Moura fights, Gomes could benefit from being the more level-headed fighter here.
Final Eduarda Moura-Denise Gomes Prediction & Pick
This fight features two rising stars in the Strawweight Division and both women have had similar paths to get to where they are now. Both women also fight with a similar style and if they choose to stand across from each other and trade shots, fans should be in for an exciting Prelim bout.
Eduarda Moura is very imposing with her physical frame and she's relentless in seeking to finish the fight. Denise Gomes is the same to some extent, but her recent experiences through wins and losses could prompt her to fight a smart bout.
Moura will be most dangerous through the opening stages of this fight as she tries for the early finish. However, if this bout gets extended to the third round, Denise Gomes could be the fresher fighter with higher output in the striking. We'll side with Denise Gomes to win this fight as the slight underdog. However, I like the over as both women will match-up well against each other and both put forward a display of toughness.
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Final Eduarda Moura-Denise Gomes Prediction & Pick: Denise Gomes (+145); OVER 2.5 Rounds (-130)