Grappling: 2.6 takedowns / 15 vs 60% defense
Read matchup Real analysis. Smarter reads. A deeper understanding of the card.
The evidence points to a grappling gap (2.7 vs 0.8 takedowns per 15) and a finishing gap (75% vs 33% of archived wins); that is the read to test in the first five minutes.
Supporting evidenceExperience: 3 vs 0 five-round fights
| Attribute | Nunes | Pennington |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 29 | 29 |
| Height | 5′8″ | 5′7″ |
| Reach | 69″ | 67″ |
| Stance | Orthodox | Orthodox |
| Rank | Unranked | #5 Women's Bantamweight |
Highlighted rows mark a meaningful factual difference, not an advantage. Unpublished values stay unpublished.
Nunes has 3 archived five-round fights to Pennington’s 0; championship rounds are familiar territory for one side.
Favors NunesNunes averages 2.7 takedowns per 15 minutes; Pennington has stopped 62% of attempts on record.
Favors PenningtonNunes has finished 75% of archived wins (4 KO/TKO, 2 submission), 3 of them inside round one in the last 5.
Favors NunesNunes has 3 first-round finishes in the last 5 archived results — the opening minutes carry real finishing risk.
Rounds two and three turn on whether Nunes keeps landing takedowns at 2.7 per 15 minutes; if Pennington stays upright, the striking rates (4.5 vs 4.1 landed per minute) take over.
Scheduled for five rounds: 25 minutes changes the pace math, and a fighter who banks two early rounds can afford to manage the fourth.
