The main card of UFC on ESPN 71: Taira vs. Park, taking place on August 2, 2025, at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, features a key women’s bantamweight clash between #10-ranked Brazilian veteran Karol Rosa and #12-ranked French striker Nora Cornolle. With both fighters looking to break into the top 10 title conversation, this matchup offers an important stepping stone in the division.

Karol Rosa

Karol Rosa (18–7) is a well-rounded Brazilian contender known for her high-volume striking, durability, and solid takedown defense. A UFC veteran since 2019, Rosa has faced a who’s who of the bantamweight and featherweight divisions, earning her reputation as one of the most consistent competitors at 135 pounds.

Rosa enters this fight looking to bounce back from a unanimous decision loss to Ailín Pérez in January 2025. Prior to that, she secured a convincing decision win over Pannie Kianzad in August 2024, showcasing her sharp jab and ability to control range. While she lacks finishing power compared to some of her peers, her relentless pace and technical striking often wear down opponents over three rounds.

Karol Rosa – Last 5 Fights:

1. Loss vs. Ailín Pérez – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC 311, Jan 18, 2025
2. Win vs. Pannie Kianzad – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC on ESPN, Aug 10, 2024
3. Loss vs. Irene Aldana – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC 296, Dec 16, 2023
4. Win vs. Yana Santos – Decision (Split) – UFC on ESPN, Jul 1, 2023
5. Loss vs. Norma Dumont – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC FN, Apr 22, 2023

Currently ranked #10, Rosa will look to impose her pace, keep the fight standing, and make Cornolle work from the outside.

Nora Cornolle

Nora Cornolle (9–2) is a French Muay Thai standout who has made a strong impression since joining the UFC. With a background as a national champion and World Games silver medalist in Muay Thai, Cornolle brings elite-level striking, especially dangerous knees and head kicks, along with improving submission skills.

Cornolle is coming off a second-round rear-naked choke submission victory over Hailey Cowan in April 2025, marking her first UFC win by submission. She has six knockout wins on her record and is most dangerous in close-range striking exchanges, where her clinch work and body attacks shine.

Nora Cornolle – Last 5 Fights:

1. Win vs. Hailey Cowan – Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) – UFC 314, Apr 12, 2025
2. Loss vs. Jacqueline Cavalcanti – Decision (Split) – UFC FN, Sep 28, 2024
3. Win vs. Melissa Mullins – TKO (Knee to Body & Head Kicks) – UFC FN, Apr 6, 2024
4. Win vs. Joselyne Edwards – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC FN, Sep 2, 2023
5. Win vs. Hassna Gaber – TKO (Leg Injury) – UAE Warriors 38, Mar 17, 2023

Cornolle will aim to control the striking exchanges, punish Rosa with kicks to the legs and body, and potentially open up opportunities for a finish if Rosa overcommits.

Matchup Breakdown

Rosa’s key advantage is her pace, cardio, and ability to work behind the jab to score points over three rounds. She will likely try to stay disciplined and avoid getting caught in Cornolle’s Muay Thai clinch.

Cornolle’s path to victory lies in her striking power and clinch work. If she can slow Rosa down early with body and leg kicks, she could turn the tide in her favor. However, her tendency to miss weight in recent bouts could be a factor in conditioning.

Rosa has more experience against top-level competition, while Cornolle brings a more dangerous finishing threat. This fight may come down to whether Cornolle can land something significant before Rosa’s volume and output start dictating the pace.

Prediction

Cornolle may find early success with her striking, but Rosa’s experience, durability, and work rate should carry her through the later rounds for a decision win.

Prediction: Karol Rosa def. Nora Cornolle via Decision (Unanimous)

A win for Rosa would keep her firmly in the top 10, while Cornolle could leap into title contention with a statement victory.