Stephanie Luciano vs. Talita Alencar: UFC Vegas 95 Prelims Preview & Prediction2 months ago
The opening bout of the UFC Vegas 95 prelims features an intriguing clash in the women’s strawweight division between Stephanie Luciano and Talita Alencar. This fight pits two fighters with contrasting styles against each other, promising an exciting start to the evening's action.

Stephanie Luciano

Stephanie Luciano is a seasoned fighter known for her aggressive striking and durability. With a professional record that includes notable wins in Jungle Fight and LFA, Luciano is a well-rounded fighter who thrives in high-pressure situations. Her most recent bout was a unanimous draw against Talita Alencar in Dana White’s Contender Series in September 2023. Luciano’s strengths lie in her striking accuracy and ability to push the pace, often overwhelming her opponents. She has demonstrated resilience, bouncing back from losses with decisive victories, and her ground game, while not her primary weapon, is competent enough to defend against takedowns and submissions.

Key Stats

  • Record: 5-1-1
  • Notable Wins: Karina Aryadne, Aline Oliveira
  • Strengths: Striking, Pressure Fighting
  • Weakness: Ground Game Defense

Talita Alencar

Talita Alencar, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialist, is making waves with her exceptional grappling skills. Alencar’s submission game is her most dangerous weapon, as evidenced by her three consecutive wins via rear-naked choke in Titan FC. She has a solid record, including a recent split decision victory over Rayanne dos Santos at UFC Fight Night 233. Alencar’s ability to control the ground game and hunt for submissions makes her a formidable opponent, particularly against fighters who are less comfortable on the mat. Her draw against Luciano on Dana White’s Contender Series showcased her resilience and adaptability in the cage.

Key Stats

Record: 5-0-1
Notable Wins: Rayanne dos Santos, Karen Quintero
Strengths: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Submissions
Weakness: Striking Defense

Prediction

This matchup presents a classic striker vs. grappler scenario. Luciano will likely aim to keep the fight standing, utilizing her striking to maintain distance and score points. On the other hand, Alencar will look to close the distance and bring the fight to the ground, where she can capitalize on her submission skills. The outcome will largely depend on whether Luciano can avoid the takedown attempts and keep the fight in her comfort zone. If the fight goes to the ground, Alencar’s grappling advantage could lead to a submission victory. However, if Luciano can maintain her striking distance, she may edge out a decision win.

Prediction: Talita Alencar by submission (Round 2).