10 Major Predictions For UFC 225: Whittaker Vs. Romero 2
7. Claudia Gadelha Vs. Carla Esparza
Few fighters will have been happier about Rose Namajunas' usurping of Joanna Jedrzeczyk as UFC Women's Strawweight Champion than Claudia Gadelha, who was never going to earn another title shot after two consecutive losses to the Pole, but now has a pathway back to contention.
Unfortunately, she lost her last fight to Jessica Andrade, and must now face a competitor riding a 2-0 win streak if she's to climb back up the rankings. Carla Esparza looked impressive in her UFC 219 unanimous victory over the much hyped Cynthia Calvillo. She's a flawed fighter, and has struggled for consistency since becoming the company's inaugural Strawweight Champion, but will no doubt be spurred on by her long-running war of words with the Brazilian.
Cardio remains an issue for Gadelha, who regularly fades out during the second and third rounds of her fights. Regardless, she has only ever lost to high-level fighters, and she brings a notable striking advantage to the table. Esparza's most obvious avenue to victory is to pick away at Claudia's stamina, particularly in later rounds, but this will be tricky.
Prediction: Claudia Gadelha via unanimous decision.