While the MMA waits to see what’s next for UFC strawweight champion Rose Namajunas, the strawweight division will continue to develop its next big stars. UFC Vegas 48, taking place on Saturday inside the UFC’s APEX Center, features a bout that could enhance the division.
Sporting News, with the help of Sports Interaction, takes a closer look at a pretty even strawweight bout in Diana Belbita vs. Gloria de Paula.
MORE: UFC Vegas 48: Johnny Walker vs. Jamahal Hill odds, predictions, betting trends
When is UFC Vegas 48: Walker vs. Hill?
Date: Saturday, Feb. 19 Start time: 4 p. m. ET Main card: 7 p. m. ET Main event: 10:15 p. m. ET (approximately)
How to watch UFC Vegas 48: Walker vs. Hill
TV channels/live stream: ESPN+
The prelims and the main card for UFC Vegas 48 will be available on the ESPN+ streaming service. You can pay $6.99 for a monthly subscription of ESPN+ or buy an annual subscription for $69.99.
Fighter overview
Starting judo when she was 12, Diana Belbita won multiple titles in Kempo. The Romanian made her pro debut in 2014 for RXF. Competing for KSW, she fought Ariane Lipski for the KSW flyweight title in 2017, losing via submission. Belbita was on a four-fight win streak when she joined the UFC in 2019.
Belbita is 1-2 with the promotion, her last fight her strawweight debut against Hannah Goldy. An expert in kickboxing, Belbita won that bout in July via unanimous decision.
Gloria de Paula made her pro debut in 2017. “Glorinha” joined The Contender Series in 2020, beating Pauline Macias via unanimous decision. She has since lost her past two bouts, getting knocked out by Cheyanne Vlismas in July.
The 26-year-old Brazilian is ready to start fresh, beginning with Belbita.
“The negative results thus far in the UFC have been difficult,” de Paula told Sherdog. “I felt deep disappointment after those fights, but I’m mentally strong. I’ve learned to use those losses as motivation. Those two losses gave me a strong push to give my all during this training camp so I can achieve my first win inside the Octagon. … This camp was focused on turning me into a more complete MMA fighter.”
MORE: UFC Vegas 48: Johnny Walker vs. Jamahal Hill fight date, time, price, odds & location
How the fight is leaning
This is a very close matchup. According to Sports Interaction, de Paula is -105 while Belbita is -125. A $100 wager on de Paula would result in a $195.24 profit. By wagering $125 on Belbita, you could get a return of $225.
Who has the edge?
Both have short careers in the octagon, which makes the stats extremely interesting. de Paula has landed 3.39 significant strikes per minute, with a 54 percent strike accuracy rate. Belbita has landed 6.72 significant strikes, with a 46 percent accuracy rate. The volume of shots that Belbita has landed can’t go unnoticed.
Belbita landed 117 shots against Hannah Goldy, five against Liana Jojua and 98 against Molly McCann. The highest amount of shots de Paula has landed was 69 against Pauline Macias. While it is unknown whether striking will truly play a factor, the power punch will make Belbita a dangerous fighter. She can use her jab to her advantage. de Paula throws for power. While it may not look pretty, when she lands, it hurts.
Both are about even when it comes to takedown defense (65 percent for Belbita and 66 percent for de Paula). Belbita has landed one takedown in her three UFC fights while she’s been taken down seven times. She has also submitted four fighters in her career. de Paula has been taken down five times, with no takedowns landed.
Clinching against the cage can be something that Belbita does well, and, if given an opportunity, de Paula has shown she can fight well on the ground. Once on the mat, however, can de Paula take advantage?
A (literal) big difference Belbita has over de Paula is size. Belbita came down from flyweight, and size can make or break a fight at strawweight. Given the size and strength of Belbita, it is hard to think she can take the fight. If she can time her shots perfectly, Belbita can damage de Paula enough to give her the edge.
