We’ve got a “Prospect vs. Veteran” clash between women’s flyweights on Saturday night, as Anna Melisano makes her Octagon debut against Dione Barbosa at UFC Fight Night: Du Plessis vs. Usman in Oklahoma City.
Melisano (6–1, 0–0 UFC) carries a six-fight winning streak into her short-notice debut, punctuated in December by a TKO (doctor’s stoppage) victory over Andrea Amaro for the Fury FC strawweight title. Barbosa (9–4, 3–2 UFC) has won two of her last three bouts, most recently taking a majority decision over Melissa Gatto in April.
Barbosa enters as an overwhelming -625 moneyline favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook. Melisano is a +455 underdog, with the fight total set at O/U 2.5 rounds.
Melisano vs. Barbosa Preview
Anna Melisano
- 6–1 (0–0 UFC)
- 2–0 (T)KO
- 1–1 SUB
Anna Melisano’s return to the Octagon came much sooner than expected. The American prospect was Michael Bisping’s No. 1 pick on this year’s The Ultimate Fighter 34 — but fell to Melissa Amaya on the season premiere, which aired in mid-June. Even so, she was presented with an opportunity to redeem herself on the main roster, now stepping in for Veronica Hardy on short notice.
“Bandana” Anna, 29, is a formidable striker with a solid Muay Thai base and crisp boxing. In December, she stopped Andrea Amaro via TKO (doctor’s stoppage) to seize the Fury FC strawweight title, now arriving at MMA’s flagship promotion on a three-fight stoppage streak. However, she’ll be making her UFC debut at 125 pounds — which could exacerbate her grappling woes. Both her TUF 34 loss and lone professional defeat came by submission.
Dione Barbosa
- 9–4 (3–2 UFC)
- 0–1 (T)KO
- 4–1 SUB
While Dione Barbosa is decent on the feet, she’s never looking to keep things standing for long. The 34-year-old Brazilian is known for her nasty clinch work and suffocating ground game — stamped by a pair of black belts in judo and jiu-jitsu.
While “The Witch” has alternated wins and losses since joining the UFC, she remains a tough test at 125 pounds. She kicked off her 2026 campaign with a dominant majority decision win over Melissa Gato in April — prevailing even after a point deduction due to an illegal kick in the second round.
Melisano vs. Barbosa Pick, Best Bet
Dione Barbosa is one of the heaviest favorites on Saturday’s card for a reason. The Octagon veteran is uniquely suited to swarm her novice opponent with her suffocating grappling, taking the fight to the ground early — and hunting for a finish. Given Barbosa’s struggles to defend submissions, it feels like only a matter of time before Barbosa induces a tap-out.
