The UFC 307 early prelims feature an exciting clash between Carla Esparza and Tecia Torres in the women’s strawweight division. Esparza, a former UFC champion, is set to make this her retirement fight, adding emotional weight to an already high-stakes matchup. Both fighters bring experience and different styles into the Octagon, with Esparza aiming to use her wrestling and Torres relying on her striking and footwork.

Carla Esparza ("Cookie Monster")

- Age: 36
- Height: 5’1" / 155 cm
- Weight: 115 lbs / 52 kg
- Record: 19-7
- Association: Team Oyama

Esparza’s wrestling has long been the foundation of her success. Known for grinding out decisions (42% of her wins via decision), she can control opponents on the ground and neutralize their striking. Esparza enters this bout on the heels of a submission loss to Zhang Weili that saw her lose the UFC strawweight title. In her farewell fight, Esparza will seek to recapture the form that made her a two-time champion, particularly in memorable victories over Rose Namajunas and Yan Xiaonan.

Carla Esparza - Last 5 Fights

- Submission Loss (Rear-Naked Choke) vs. Zhang Weili – UFC 281 (November 12, 2022)
- Split Decision Win vs. Rose Namajunas – UFC 274 (May 7, 2022)
- TKO Win (Punches) vs. Yan Xiaonan – UFC Fight Night: Font vs. Garbrandt (May 22, 2021)
- Split Decision Win vs. Marina Rodriguez – UFC on ESPN: Whittaker vs. Till (July 26, 2020)
- Split Decision Win vs. Michelle Waterson – UFC 249 (May 9, 2020)

Tecia Torres ("The Tiny Tornado")

- Age: 34
- Height: 5’1" / 155 cm
- Weight: 115 lbs / 52 kg
- Record: 13-7
- Association: Elevation Fight Team

Torres brings a striking-heavy approach to the cage, with her speed and volume making her a difficult opponent to handle on the feet. Despite lacking knockout power, Torres has secured 11 decision wins in her career. She is coming off a tough stretch, including back-to-back split decision losses to Tabatha Ricci and Mackenzie Dern. However, Torres still holds notable victories over Angela Hill and Sam Hughes, showcasing her ability to outpoint opponents over the course of three rounds.

Tecia Torres - Last 5 Fights

- Split Decision Loss vs. Tabatha Ricci – UFC on ESPN: Lewis vs. Nascimento (May 11, 2024)
- Split Decision Loss vs. Mackenzie Dern – UFC 273 (April 9, 2022)
- Unanimous Decision Win vs. Angela Hill – UFC 265 (August 7, 2021)
- TKO Win (Doctor Stoppage) vs. Sam Hughes – UFC 256 (December 12, 2020)
- Unanimous Decision Win vs. Brianna Van Buren – UFC on ESPN: Blaydes vs. Volkov (June 20, 2020)

Fight Breakdown

Esparza’s wrestling will be the key to this fight. If she can consistently get Torres to the ground, she will likely control the bout with her ground-and-pound and positional dominance. However, Torres’ movement and volume striking could cause problems for Esparza if the fight stays standing. Torres will need to avoid the takedown and maintain distance to win exchanges on the feet.

Prediction

Esparza’s wrestling and ground control have proven to be effective against strikers like Torres in the past. With her retirement looming, she will be highly motivated to finish her career on a high note. If Esparza can impose her grappling game, she should be able to secure another decision victory.

Prediction: Carla Esparza via unanimous decision.