Molly McCann
Molly McCann, a seasoned strawweight fighter from Liverpool, England, is known for her aggressive striking and durable nature. McCann's recent victory over Diana Belbita via submission (armbar) in February 2024 showcased her improving grappling skills. However, she has also faced setbacks, such as submission losses to Julija Stoliarenko and Erin Blanchfield. McCann's knockout power was on full display in her wins against Hannah Goldy and Luana Carolina, both of which came via spinning back elbows. With a professional record that includes notable victories over Ji Yeon Kim and Ariane Lipski, McCann's blend of striking and grappling makes her a well-rounded and dangerous opponent.
Bruna Brasil
Bruna Brasil, a Brazilian strawweight fighter, is recognized for her striking prowess and versatility. Brasil's most recent fight was a unanimous decision loss to Konklak Suphisara in February 2024. Despite this setback, Brasil has demonstrated her striking skills with a KO win over Marnic Mann on Dana White's Contender Series. Her victories include a unanimous decision win against Shauna Bannon and a TKO over Ingrid Silva. Brasil's ability to finish fights with strikes or submissions, as evidenced by her guillotine choke victories, makes her a formidable opponent in the strawweight division.
Prediction
The fight between Molly McCann and Bruna Brasil at UFC 304 promises to be an exciting clash of styles, with McCann's aggressive striking and improving grappling facing off against Brasil's versatile striking and submission skills. McCann's key to victory will likely lie in her ability to pressure Brasil with her striking and avoid being taken down or caught in a submission. McCann's experience against high-level competition and her knockout power give her a slight edge in striking exchanges.
Brasil, on the other hand, will need to utilize her striking range and avoid McCann's pressure. If she can keep the fight at a distance and capitalize on any grappling opportunities, Brasil could secure a victory. Her submission skills could also play a significant role if the fight goes to the ground.
McCann's aggressive striking and durability will be crucial in pressuring Brasil and potentially securing a knockout. Brasil's versatility and ability to finish fights with strikes or submissions will be essential in countering McCann's pressure and looking for opportunities to capitalize on any mistakes. While both fighters have paths to victory, McCann's experience and knockout power might give her the edge in this matchup. However, if Brasil can effectively use her striking range and submission skills, she could emerge victorious, possibly by a third round TKO.
