UFC Rio Preview: Bia Mesquita vs Irina Alekseeva Fight Predictions and Betting Odds
Women’s Bantamweight Showdown: Bia Mesquita Faces Irina Alekseeva
In a compelling women’s bantamweight match-up, Bia Mesquita prepares to make a splash in her UFC debut against seasoned fighter Irina Alekseeva. Mesquita, known for her exceptional Brazilian jiu-jitsu prowess, enters the Octagon with an unblemished record and a reputation as a grappling legend. Her transition from jiu-jitsu to MMA has been marked by dominating performances, finishing four of her five fights to date. Conversely, Alekseeva seeks redemption after two consecutive UFC losses, bringing valuable experience of fighting in Brazil.
Mesquita’s Perfect Record and Strong Debut
Mesquita steps into the UFC arena with a flawless 5-0 record. The Brazilian, standing at 5’4” with a 67-inch reach, has consistently demonstrated her grappling superiority, showcasing her mastery with three wins via rear naked choke. Her decade-long dominance in ADCC competitions has set high expectations for her MMA career, which began in 2024 and already includes an LFA championship title.
Alekseeva’s Striking Skills Under the Spotlight
Russia’s Irina Alekseeva, with a record of 5-3, stands 5’8” and matches Mesquita in reach. Known for her striking ability, Alekseeva lands 4.01 significant strikes per minute. However, her striking defense and accuracy have raised concerns, as she absorbs 5.03 strikes per minute, with a defense rate of 46% and an accuracy of 39%. Her grappling statistics pose a challenge, averaging just 0.47 takedowns per fight with a 20% success rate.
| Fighter | Record | Height | Reach | Striking Volume | Striking Defense |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bia Mesquita | 5-0 | 5’4″ | 67 inches | N/A | N/A |
| Irina Alekseeva | 5-3 | 5’8″ | 67 inches | 4.01 strikes/minute | 46% |
Betting Odds and Predictions
The odds heavily favor Bia Mesquita, with sportsbooks listing her as a -600 favorite, while Alekseeva stands at +450. These odds reflect Mesquita’s strong grappling game and high finishing rate. FanDuel also shows that the fight’s probability of ending before the final bell is higher, marked at -280, while the likelihood of it going to the judges is at +210.
- Bia Mesquita: Massive favorite due to grappling expertise.
- Irina Alekseeva: Significant underdog with hopes in striking.
- Fight Outcome: Likely to end early due to Mesquita’s submission skills.
In conclusion, while Alekseeva’s best bet is to leverage her striking abilities and maintain distance, she will need to overcome the challenge of Mesquita’s relentless pursuit of takedowns. Mesquita’s proficiency on the ground makes her the clear favorite to win via submission.
For the latest MMA betting odds and expert analysis, visit Emegypt Sportsbook.
