Melissa Gatto is the biggest favorite on this card. I will pause while I let you process that information. Melissa Gatto, the woman who is riding back to back losses, the woman who hasn't won in over 2 years, the woman who is moving up in weight, the woman who is stepping up on short notice is the largest favorite on the card at more than 4-1. Nuts. I get that Vidal looked bad in her last fight, but she is still big, strong, and if she can get her wrestling going, she's dangerous. I totally understand that people think Melissa will get the takedowns and ride to a decision like Vidal's last opponent did, but Vidal's last opponent is a better wrestler and the same size. I think Gatto will struggle here and I like Vidal as an underdog. I will watch this line because if it moves any more, I'll take it.
TAMIRES VIDAL
Tamires Vidal is a former soccer player and BJJ brown belt who immediately starts working forward and looking for takedowns. She throws typical big overhands and then pressures to the cage where she looks for control and takedowns. Once she gets it to the ground she is chasing submissions. She is dangerous on top and off her back and is always looking for something. Her striking is almost non existent though, but she is tough enough to eat shots while looking for the takedown. She is coming off the surprising loss to Montserrat Rendon where she was taken down 3 times and got none of her own.
MELISSA GATTO
Melissa Gatto is a grappler with very good BJJ. Her jiu jitsu is actually best off her back which can be a gift or a curse. It helps her against heavy wrestlers, but also gives her a false sense of confidence and just creates situations where she is losing rounds. While she is primarily a grappler, she has technical striking and uses it well to setup takedowns. Her takedowns can be hit or miss. They are not good enough to shoot from distance but if they are setup well, she will have success. She is coming off the decision loss to Ariane Lipski where the striking was there but she went 0-7 in takedown attempts.
