Molly McCann vs. Diana Belbita 2/3/24 – As the MMA world turns its eyes toward UFC FIGHT NIGHT 235, set to unfold at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada, the women’s strawweight bout between Molly McCann and Diana Belbita stands out as a highlight of the evening. Both fighters come into this match with something to prove. This even promises to be a showcase of talent and strategy. Fans and bettors alike are keen for free MMA picks and parlays, with this match offering a fascinating study in contrasts.
Molly McCann vs. Diana Belbita 2/3/24 Game Info
| When: | Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 4:00 PM ET |
| Where: | UFC APEX, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
Molly “Meatball” McCann Analysis
With an orthodox striking base and 13-6-0 pro MMA record, Molly McCann looks get back into the win column after dropping her last two fights. “Meatball” lands strikes at a decent clip, averaging 5.68 significant strikes per minute while maintaining solid 49% accuracy on the feet. However, defensive holes remain apparent as she absorbs a concerning 4.90 significant strikes per minute from opponents. Her defensive striking rate sits at just 63%, so McCann takes nearly as many shots as she gives.
McCann has shown some capable offensive wrestling as well, recording takedowns at a clip of 1.65 per 15 minutes. But her 35% accuracy indicates she fails to complete over half of her shot attempts. Compounding matters, McCann stops less than half the takedown tries against herself, with just 43% takedown defense. While McCann does own a few submission wins, she has only finished one fight by tap out, averaging just 0.5 submission attempts per 15 minutes. Her best path to beating the longer and rangier Belbita will be closing distance with punching flurries before changing levels for a takedown. Achieving top control with ground and pound can mitigate Belbita’s striking advantages.
Diana “The Warrior Princess” Belbita Analysis
Diana “The Warrior Princess” Belbita rides a solid 15-8-0 record into this featured prelim, though she dropped her last fight by decision. With a sizeable four inch height and three inch reach advantage over McCann, the orthodox Belbita lands a high volume of 6.59 significant strikes per minute. However, she sacrifices accuracy for output, connecting on just 42% of attempts, while absorbing over 6 significant strikes per minute herself. At 51%, Belbita’s defensive striking rate needs improvement as well if she wants to maximize her physical tools against “Meatball”.
In contrast to McCann’s wrestling chops, Belbita rarely shoots for offensive takedowns, averaging less than one per 15 minutes. But she has defended opponents’ takedowns at a 69% clip, another key stat if she wants to avoid the ground game against McCann. While Belbita’s length presents problems on the feet for opponents, she has yet to win by submission during her career and gives up key grappling metrics to her opponent here. Avoiding wild exchanges and thwarting McCann’s takedowns are crucial to Belbita implementing her rangy kickboxing to its fullest over three rounds.
Molly McCann vs. Diana Belbita Stats
| McCann | Belbita | |
| Wins/Losses/Draws | 13-6-0 | 15-8-0 |
| Average Fight Time | 10:46 | 12:57 |
| Height | 5′ 4″ | 5′ 7″ |
| Weight | 115 lbs. | 115 lbs. |
| Reach | 62″ | 68″ |
| Stance | Orthodox | Orthodox |
| Strikes Landed per Min. | 5.68 | 6.59 |
| Striking Accuracy | 49% | 42% |
| Strikes Absorbed per Min. | 4.90 | 6.43 |
| Defense | 63% | 51% |
| Takedowns Average/15 min. | 1.65 | 0.97 |
| Takedown Accuracy | 35% | 62% |
| Takedown Defense | 43% | 69% |
| Submission Average/15 min. | 0.5 | 0.0 |
Molly McCann vs. Diana Belbita Betting Picks
Analyzing betting odds and fighter styles, Molly McCann is currently the favorite against Diana Belbita. She holds an advantage due to her experience and superior striking defense; however, Belbita may present challenges from her reach advantage which must be mitigated with her superior striking defense in order to control this fight.
Given their matchup dynamics, McCann appears the safer bet based on her ability to absorb pressure and deliver significant strikes efficiently as well as her experience in the UFC. However, Belbita cannot be discounted given her aggressive style and reach advantage, especially for those seeking value in an underdog fight.
Free Pick: Molly “Meatball” McCann -263
Molly McCann and Diana Belbita’s UFC FIGHT NIGHT 235 match is shaping up to be an engaging clash of styles and strategies, as both fighters look to assert their dominance and get back on the winning track. Due to McCann’s strengths and weaknesses, she appears as a favorite pick in handicapped game predictions; however, given MMA’s unpredictability anything may occur once cage doors close – this battle should not be missed by fans of MMA or those looking for insightful betting opportunities!