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UFC Fight Night: Burns vs. MalottWomen's BantamweightPrelims
Melissa CrodenWINNER
Melissa
Croden
1-1UFC
35 yrsElo 1501*
VS
Daria Zhelezniakova
Daria
Zhelezniakova
2-1UFC
30 yrsElo 1472
Final: Melissa Croden by U-DEC
Who wins
GPT
68%
Zhelezniakova
Elo
54%
Croden
1501 vs 1472
Tale of the tapeUFC averages
5'9" Height 5'9"
68" Reach 68"
Orthodox Stance Orthodox
4.27 Landed / min 4.13
2.13 Absorbed / minlower better 3.38
47% Strike accuracy 40%
59% Strike defense 64%
2.02 Takedowns / 15 0.31
50% TD accuracy 100%
66% TD defense 50%
0.3 Subs / 15 0.0
Small sample: Melissa Croden, 2 UFC fights.
How it ends
GPT: KO/TKO 18%GPT: Submission 7%GPT: Decision 75%
75%Decision
GPT calls Decision
KO/TKO 18%Submission 7%Decision 75%
Formnewest first
Melissa Croden125 days out
L
Luana Santos
U-DEC · 2025-12-13
W
Tainara Lisboa
KO/TKO Punches · 2025-10-18
Daria Zhelezniakova301 days out
W
Melissa Mullins
U-DEC · 2025-06-21
L
Ailin Perez
SUB · 2024-04-06
W
Montserrat Rendon
U-DEC · 2024-03-23
Why
GPT
Daria Zhelezniakova
68% · Decision
  • Established UFC sample for Zhelezniakova with strong defensive metrics (79% striking defense, low 1.7 SApM) versus Croden's total lack of Octagon data
  • Positive striking differential and measured volume for Zhelezniakova suggest she can win minutes without overextending
  • Functional wrestling layer (0.8 TDs per fight at 100% accuracy so far) gives Zhelezniakova a secondary path to bank rounds if striking is competitive
Write-up

Zhelezniakova has proven UFC-level metrics with solid striking defense (79% StrDef), positive striking differential (+1.59), and efficient offensive output (3.29 SLpM at 38% accuracy) combined with a credible takedown threat (0.8 TDs per fight at 100% accuracy so far). Croden is a complete statistical unknown at the UFC level, which historically translates into early-career acclimation issues against opponents who already show defensive soundness and measured output. Unless Croden brings a major unscouted finishing edge, Zhelezniakova's defensive responsibility and ability to mix in opportunistic takedowns should allow her to control minutes and win rounds over three.