UFC Vegas 36 Prelims: Molly McCann vs Ji Yeon Kim- Prediction and Analysis

UFC Vegas 36 will take place this weekend with an all-important middleweight clash between Darren Till and Derek Brunson headlining the event. Apart from the main event, there are other fights in the card that will keep the fight fans on the edge of their seats. One such fight is the women’s flyweight clash between Molly McCann and Ji Yeon Kim in prelims.

‘Meatball’ McCann, currently on a two-fight skid, would want to get back on the winning track. She last fought Lara Procopio at UFC Fight Night 184: Overeem vs Volkov and lost via unanimous decision. As a professional, she has picked up 10 wins and incurred 4 losses. Out of those 10 wins, 4 have come via T/KO and 6 via decisions.

‘Fire Fist’ Kim has been blowing hot and cold in her last few fights. She last fought Alexa Grasso at UFC Fight Night 175: Smith vs Rakic and lost via unanimous decision. Prior to that, she had picked up an impressive KO win over Nadia Kassem at UFC 243: Whittaker vs Adesanya.

WATCH THIS STORY: Top 5 best fights in the history of UFC women’s division

The South Korean sensation has picked up 9 wins and has incurred 3 losses in her career. Out of those 9 wins, 2 have come via T/KO, 3 via submissions, and 4 via decisions. Hence, both fighters will want to end their losing streaks.

Molly McCann vs Ji Yeon Kim- Analysis

If we compare their physical stats, ‘Meatball’ stands at 5’4″ in height and has a reach of 62″. Meanwhile, ‘Fire Fist’ has a significant advantage over McCann with a height of 5’7″ and a reach of 72″.

McCann lands 5.15 significant strikes per minute with an accuracy of 50%. She absorbs 4.28 significant strikes per minute with a defense rate of 65%. She averages 1.64 takedowns per 15 mins with an accuracy of 29%. ‘Meatball’ has a takedown defense of 28%.

Meanwhile, the South Korean, Kim, lands 4.5 significant strikes per minute with an accuracy of 34%. She absorbs 4.94 significant strikes per minute with a defense rate of 57%. She has a takedown defense of 42%.

‘Meatball’ has an assorted arsenal and better footwork compared to Kim, whereas Kim has a significant edge in size and firepower. Hence, the fight could be one of the closest to be fought on the card.

One thing that could get Kim into trouble is her low striking defense. Although McCann has improved her wrestling skills, it’s still not convincing enough to pose a threat to good opponents. But ‘Fire Fist’ has an inconsistent takedown defense that could save ‘Meatball’.

READ MORE: “He Was Meant to Be Outside My House”- Paddy Pimblett Reveals Conor McGregor Cryptic Tweet Meaning

Here, the takedowns will be key and McCann may just edge over the South Korean on the decision in the end. However, Kim will look to use her significant reach to stay out of trouble. Hence, this fight will be a treat.

Final Prediction: McCann via split decision