Preview: UFC Fight Night 195 Prelims

Women’s Strawweights

Ariane Carnelossi (13-2, 1-1 UFC) vs. Istela Nunes (6-1, 0-0 UFC)

ODDS: Carnelossi (-155), Nunes (+135)

Carnelossi has impressed thus far in her UFC career. Heading into her September 2019 debut against Angela Hill, there was not much to suggest that “Sorriso” would succeed at the UFC level. Carnelossi did not show much technical acumen on her way to running over a weak level of competition during her regional career. Carnelossi still is not a technical marvel, but she has proven to be a hard force to stop. A muscular fireplug of a human, Carnelossi is content to keep marching down her opponent in the hopes of making something happen, even if it means eating damage in the process. As a result, she gave Hill a surprisingly tough fight before losing via cut stoppage, and her return bout in April saw her win a wild and fast-paced war over Na Liang. Carnelossi looks to make it two straight wins against Nunes, a Brazilian countrywoman making her UFC debut. A One Championship veteran, Nunes was initially the one slated to debut against Hill on that 2019 card until a failed drug test set her back. An accomplished muay Thai artist, Nunes is a slow-paced striker by default who would prefer to pick off her opponents with powerful single strikes. She can hold her own somewhat when dragged into deeper waters, but things do tend to turn south a bit when Nunes cannot play her game, particularly in the wrestling and grappling departments. With the drug suspension, it has been over three years since Nunes’ last fight, so there is a chance she has shored up those flaws and is enough of a complete fighter to get the win. However, with Carnelossi looking to push the pace and take Nunes out of her comfort zone, this looks like the UFC veteran’s fight to lose, particularly with her historical durability. The pick is Carnelossi via decision.