Ultimate Fighting Championship: The Rise of Jared Cannonier and Jacqueline Cavalcanti

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has always been a platform for showcasing some of the most talented fighters in the world. One such talent making waves in the women’s bantamweight division is Jacqueline Cavalcanti. With a record of 6-1-0, Cavalcanti has proven herself to be a formidable opponent in the octagon. Standing at 5’8″ and weighing 135 lbs, she possesses a significant reach advantage of 70 inches over many of her competitors. Her orthodox fighting style and impressive striking accuracy make her a force to be reckoned with.

On August 24, 2024, Cavalcanti will face off against Josiane Nunes at UFC Vegas 96. Nunes, who stands at 5’2″ and also weighs 135 lbs, has a record of 10-2-0. Despite her shorter stature, Nunes is known for her aggressive fighting style and resilience. She fights southpaw and has a reach of 67 inches. This upcoming bout promises to be an exciting clash of styles and skills, with both fighters eager to prove themselves.

The opening moneyline for this fight has Cavalcanti as the favorite at -192, while Nunes is the underdog at +160. This reflects the confidence that analysts and fans have in Cavalcanti’s abilities. Her significant strike rate of 8.40 per minute, with a 57% accuracy rate, contrasts sharply with Nunes’ 5.99 strikes per minute and 44% accuracy. These statistics highlight Cavalcanti’s superior striking prowess and precision.

Defensively, Cavalcanti also holds an edge. She absorbs only 2.60 significant strikes per minute compared to Nunes’ 5.25. Moreover, Cavalcanti has an impressive defense rate, deflecting 84% of significant strikes, whereas Nunes stops 53%. This defensive capability could play a crucial role in their upcoming fight, allowing Cavalcanti to control the pace and avoid taking unnecessary damage.

In terms of grappling, Cavalcanti scores a takedown 0.00 times per three rounds but successfully defends against 85% of takedown attempts. On the other hand, Nunes scores a takedown 15% of the time and defends against 58% of attempts. While grappling may not be Cavalcanti’s primary strength, her ability to defend against takedowns effectively ensures that she can keep the fight standing, where she excels.

Both fighters have shown their submission skills, with Cavalcanti attempting 0.3 submissions per 15 minutes and Nunes going for 0.8. This indicates that while both are primarily strikers, they are not afraid to engage in ground combat if the opportunity arises. Cavalcanti’s last fight saw her defeat Zarah Fairn via unanimous decision in round three, landing 127 of 222 total strikes compared to Fairn’s 39 of 259. This dominant performance showcased her striking accuracy and ability to control the fight.

Nunes, however, is coming off a loss to Chelsea Chandler via unanimous decision. In that fight, Chandler landed 74% of significant strikes from distance, while Nunes landed 91%. Despite Nunes’ high accuracy from distance, Chandler’s overall control and higher volume of strikes led to her victory. Nunes connected on 49 of 108 total strikes, while Chandler connected on 100 of 176. This recent loss might serve as a motivation for Nunes to come back stronger against Cavalcanti.

Another intriguing aspect of UFC Vegas 96 is the presence of other notable fights, including Wang Cong versus Victoria Leonardo and Angela Hill facing off against Tabatha Ricci. These bouts add to the excitement and anticipation surrounding the event, as fans eagerly await to see how these fighters perform. The UFC continues to provide a platform for rising stars and established fighters alike to showcase their talents and entertain audiences worldwide.

Jacqueline Cavalcanti’s journey in the UFC has been marked by determination and hard work. Her victory against Josiane Nunes at UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas on August 24 was a testament to her skill and preparation. In a post-fight interview with UFC.com, Cavalcanti expressed her excitement and satisfaction with the win, crediting her team for their support and guidance. She emphasized that fighting is her passion and that the UFC provides the best platform for showcasing her abilities.

Cavalcanti’s win adds to her impressive record in the UFC and keeps her on track for future success. She is grateful for the opportunity to compete at UFC events and is motivated to continue improving as a fighter. Her victory at UFC Fight Night demonstrates the hard work and dedication required to succeed in the highly competitive world of MMA. Fans can expect more exciting fights and performances from Cavalcanti in the future as she continues to rise through the ranks.

The UFC’s partnership with ESPN has further elevated the sport’s popularity, drawing substantial audiences for events like UFC on ESPN 62. Cavalcanti’s upcoming fight against Josiane Nunes is part of this event, and it promises to be a thrilling encounter. With her four consecutive wins since her only professional loss in March 2022, Cavalcanti enters the octagon with confidence and momentum. Her striking abilities and well-rounded skill set make her a formidable opponent for Nunes.

As the women’s bantamweight division continues to evolve, fighters like Jacqueline Cavalcanti are seizing the opportunity to make a name for themselves. The absence of Amanda Nunes, widely considered one of the greatest fighters in the division, has left a void that new talents are eager to fill. Cavalcanti’s relentless ambition and impressive performances position her as a rising star in the UFC. Fans and experts alike will be watching closely to see how she performs against tough opponents like Josiane Nunes, and what the future holds for this promising fighter.