Julia Polastri
* Age: 26
* Height: 5’2" / 157 cm
* Weight: 115 lbs / 52 kg
* Record: 12-4-0
* Association: CWB Fighter
Polastri has earned a reputation as a versatile fighter with a knack for both striking and submissions. She has secured 33% of her victories via KO/TKO and 25% via submission, making her a threat both on the feet and on the ground. Despite losing her most recent fight to Josefine Lindgren Knutsson by decision, Polastri has displayed a strong grappling game and aggressive striking, which could pose a challenge for McKenna. Notably, she has never been finished in her losses, all of which came by decision.
Julia Polastri - Last 5 Fights
* Loss vs. Josefine Lindgren Knutsson – UFC on ESPN 58 (June 15, 2024)
* Win vs. Patricia Alujas – Dana White’s Contender Series (September 12, 2023)
* Win vs. Brenda Gottig – LFA 151 (January 28, 2023)
* Win vs. Bianca Sattelmayer – LFA 146 (November 4, 2022)
* Win vs. Kalindra Faria – Iron Man MMA 24 (June 24, 2022)
Cory McKenna («Poppins»)
* Age: 25
* Height: 5’3" / 160 cm
* Weight: 115 lbs / 52 kg
* Record: 8-3-0
* Association: Team Alpha Male
Cory McKenna is a talented and tenacious competitor with a strong wrestling base, making her a dangerous grappler in the strawweight division. She has won 25% of her fights by knockout and another 25% by submission, proving her versatility. McKenna is coming off a submission loss to Jaqueline Amorim, but she previously secured a unanimous decision win against Cheyanne Vlismas. Her grappling, particularly her ability to find submissions from advantageous positions, will be a key factor in this fight. McKenna’s ability to mix her striking with wrestling makes her a tough matchup for many in the division.
Cory McKenna - Last 5 Fights
* Loss vs. Jaqueline Amorim – UFC Fight Night 239 (March 16, 2024)
* Win vs. Cheyanne Vlismas – UFC Fight Night 216 (December 17, 2022)
* Win vs. Miranda Granger – UFC on ESPN 40 (August 6, 2022)
* Loss vs. Elise Reed – UFC Fight Night 204 (March 19, 2022)
* Win vs. Kay Hansen – UFC Fight Night 182 (November 14, 2020)
Fight Breakdown
This matchup is likely to feature a mix of grappling and striking exchanges. Polastri will want to utilize her striking, potentially looking for opportunities to finish the fight with her knockout power or force a submission if it goes to the ground. On the other hand, McKenna’s game plan will likely revolve around using her wrestling to neutralize Polastri’s stand-up and control the fight on the mat. The key question will be whether Polastri can defend McKenna’s takedowns and keep the fight standing.
Prediction
Cory McKenna’s wrestling and grappling prowess give her an edge in this bout. If she can impose her wrestling and keep Polastri on her back, she is likely to control the fight and earn a decision victory. However, Polastri’s striking could be the difference-maker if she can maintain distance and avoid being taken down.
Prediction: Cory McKenna by Unanimous Decision.
