Preview: UFC Vegas 102 Prelims

Women’s Bantamweights

Jacqueline Cavalcanti (8-1, 3-0 UFC) vs. Julia Avila (9-3, 3-2 UFC)

ODDS: Cavalcanti (-440), Avila (+340)

It’s nice to see Avila back in action, particularly in a matchup that could provide some entertainment. Avila was a bit on the older side for a prospect as she made a name for herself, but “Raging Panda” figured to at least carve out a niche as a fan favorite through her all-aggression style in a wide-open bantamweight division. Avila has lived up to that potential at moments, particularly in a 2020 fight that saw her run over Gina Mazany, but it’s hard to say that she has developed much momentum over the course of her UFC career. She has taken some long layoffs between fights—she missed all of 2024 heading into this outing—and her aggression has often gotten stalled out, particularly against opponents willing to meet her with wrestling and keep her on the mat. That description doesn’t seem to fit Cavalcanti, though the Brazilian should prove to be a tough matchup given the strong start to her UFC career.

Cavalcanti’s still a work in progress, but she has worked her way past the lower ranks of the bantamweight division without much trouble. “The Nightmare” has a solid combination of size and speed, and she has shown a willingness to keep pumping out striking volume without getting knocked off her game. That package figures to be tested here, as Avila’s pathologically aggressive to a level far beyond any of Cavalcanti’s previous opponents. With that said, Avila’s also quite sloppy technically, so even if she can find success with some wrestling, Cavalcanti figures to be able to land a lot of offense in the process. Add in that Cavalcanti looks solid enough to keep getting this fight back on the feet, and she should be able to put together a successful 15 minutes, even in a hard-fought victory. The pick is Cavalcanti via decision.

Jump To »
Hill vs. Souza
Gordon vs. Ruziboev
Estevam vs. Aguilar
Bonfim vs. Williams
Smith vs. Morales
Walker vs. Mayes
Cavalcanti vs. Avila/a>