Back
WINNER
UFC Fight Night: Burns vs. MalottWomen's BantamweightPrelims
Melissa
Croden
1-1UFC
VS
Daria
Zhelezniakova
2-1UFC
Final: Melissa Croden by U-DEC
Who wins
Croden winsevenZhelezniakova wins
GPT 68% Zhelezniakova
Elo 54% Croden
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
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.