UFC Vegas 42 Prelim Breakout Star: Liana Jojua

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UFC Vegas 42 Prelim Breakout Star: Liana Jojua

The Prelim Breakout Star is a once-per-event article that helps fans get to know those who will be entertaining them from the undercard. The intention of the article is not to bring attention to the most talented fighter on the preliminary card, but rather one that the common fan may have overlooked or underestimated.

Liana Jojua

Nickname – She Wolf
Affiliation – Syndicate MMA
From – Tibilisi, Georgia
Height – 5’4″
Weight – 125 lbs (Flyweight)
Record – 8-4 (1-2, UFC)

What makes her impressive

At just 26-years old, Liana Jojua has shown some real improvements from her time on the regional circuit. Back then, she was ripping off submissions faster than you can read your order at an Italian deli. However, she lacked the all-around striking and grappling to make her a big threat. She seems to be adding those pieces as she progresses. I imagine that her move to Syndicate MMA will help those things along – especially the striking under head coach John Wood.

Why she has been overlooked

Jojua lost her last fight to drop to just 1-2 in the UFC, which is enough reason on its own to have low levels of hype. However, it’s worth mentioning that the loss was to Miranda Maverick, who appears to be on track for some big things. It’s also worth mentioning that she did not necessarily look all that bad in there. In fact, she appeared to be mostly holding he own on the feet until she caught an elbow that led to the doctor calling it off. The matter seems to not only be lost on fans but bookmakers alike. Currently, Jojua is a pretty significant underdog at +175 (Odds courtesy of FanDuel).

 

What makes this a good match-up

Cortney Casey, since moving up to 125 lbs, has really struggled with anyone who can match her grappling and go toe-to-toe with her. Her lone win came after being taken down and scoring a submission off her back over an outmatched opponent. Jojua will not be that easy to dispatch when it comes to the grappling. As I stated prior, that is really the best part of her game. I also don’t think the striking of Casey is above Jojua at this point. So no matter where it goes, I think Jojua should be able to take care of business.

Prelim Breakout Star Record: 233-108-1 (2 NC) (13 DNF) 

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