Yana Kunitskaya vs. Julija Stoliarenko Prediction and Odds, UFC Vegas 6 Main Card
The fury of eastern MMA hits UFC Vegas 6 when ranked bantamweight Yana Kunitskaya meets promotional newcomer Julija Stoliarenko Saturday from Apex Center.
Julija Stoliarenko (9-3-1, +195)
Late replacement Stoliarenko fills in on short notice with nine submissions to her name -all armbars. However, those stoppages came for the evolving 27-year-old vs. lesser opposition than her weekend assignment. American audiences are familiar with the Lithuanian fighter from her time on TUF 28. Stoliarenko picked up one armbar submission during the tournament before falling against Pannie Kianzad and then Leah Letson via split decision at the live finale. Her inability to gain conventional UFC entrance places Stoliarenko at underdog odds vs. tested Kunitskaya. While her Ultimate Fighter run underwhelmed, Stoliarenko's five-fight current winning streak, and recent Invicta split decision nod vs. Lisa Verzosa make the newcomer one to watch. Especially if the fight hits the mat.
Yana Kunitskaya (12-5, -235)
"Foxy" Kunitskaya stands 2-2 under UFC lights after her modest win streak was halted last December by no. 4 ranked bantamweight Aspen Ladd. Before that TKO setback, Kunitskaya outpointed fringe contenders Lina Lansberg and Marion Reneau. Expect a gritty showcase performance Saturday from the one-time Invicta FC bantamweight champ and former UFC featherweight title challenger. Imposing at 135, Kunitskaya lands 5.05 significant strikes per minute and finishes 2.39 takedowns per 15 minutes.
The Prediction: Kunitskaya has fought the best, and beaten solid names. The strength, wrestling and striking ability of "Foxy" make her a task for all but the sport's elite operators. While Stoliarenko may yet have a UFC run in her, she didn't capitalize on her first chance. Gifted in the submission department, the current 135 lb Invicta champ is one dimensional and struggles at the highest level. With all factors weighed, take Kunitskaya with the big win at UFC Vegas 6.
The Pick: Yana Kunitskaya by decision