Molly McCann (-154) vs. Taila Santas (+125)
When: July 15th, 10:00 PM
Where: Yas Island, United Arab Emirates
Molly McCann heads to fight island riding a three fight winning streak. 3-1 in the UFC, “Meatball” Molly’s last loss came in her UFC debut against Gillian Robertson. Other than a second round submission in that fight, it’s been smooth sailing in the UFC thus far.
As for Santos, she is 0-1 in the UFC following a Contender’s Series victory last summer.
Prior to the UFC, Molly McCann established herself with Cage Warriors. One of five Cage Warriors alumni appearing tonight, McCann lifted the Flyweight belt for the promotion before being signed by the UFC. She amassed a record of 7-1 prior to her UFC career.
Santos has much less experience compared to McCann. Though the Brazilian’s nearly perfect record is impressive, she has not beaten any notable opponents. Most of her opponents were either making their promotional debut or only had one or two fights.
For Santos, only one opponent she has faced has more than three wins. Of the Brazilian’s 15 victories, her opponents only have 14 wins between them. Estefani Almeida – who Santos defeated in the Contender’s Series – accounts for half of them with 7.
In the UFC, Santos was taken down repeatedly and was defeated by Mara Romero Borella. Things have not gone well for Borella since then, as she has lost three straight.
As for Molly McCann, the momentum could not be more in her favor. She comes into this fight with a number next to her name and will look to continue.
Stylistically, McCann has crisp boxing and great movement. She can come across as hittable at times, but she has always recovered. She throws a steady diet of heavy overhand rights, which do damage to say the least. McCann almost qualified for the Olympics for boxing prior to her MMA career.
Grappling wise, Molly Meatball is strong for the division. She has no issue with initiating her own grappling when necessary and I suspect that we may see some more of that tonight.
As for Santos, I could envision the same path to victory for her that Gillian Robertson pulled off against McCann in London. It’s a small path, however, as she struggled against Borella.
I give Molly McCann the strength advantage as well and if she can watch the submission game of Santos – who is slippery – I don’t see how she loses.
The knockout prop is worth a couple bills, but the line here is insane. I’m sticking with the Molly McCann money line, which I truly don’t understand. I’d cap McCann at -300.
Prediction and play: Molly McCann Moneyline (-154)