Ranked women’s flyweights collide on Saturday night, as Casey O’Neill faces Eduarda Moura at UFC 331: Van vs. Pantoja 2 in Los Angeles, California.
O’Neill (11–2, 6–2 UFC) has won back-to-back bouts, punctuated by a first-round knockout victory over Gabriella Fernandes in March. Moura (12–2, 3–2 UFC) is looking to bounce back from a unanimous-decision loss to Wang Cong in February.
O’Neill enters as a heavy -225 moneyline favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook. Moura is a +185 underdog, with the fight total set at O/U 2.5 rounds.
Casey O’Neill vs. Eduarda Moura Fight Preview
Casey O’Neill (#12)
- 11–2 (6–2 UFC)
- 4–0 (T)KO
- 2–1 SUB
Casey O’Neill showed no signs of ring rust in her return from a long injury layoff. “King” showcased her signature rapid-fire striking — she ranks fourth in UFC history in significant strikes per minute (7.89) — by bulldozing Gabriella Fernandes with a first-round knockout. The 28-year-old Australian will look to keep things on the feet on Saturday night, putting her impressive 70 percent takedown defense to the test against the jiu-jitsu specialist Eduarda Moura.
Eduarda Moura (#13)
- 12–2 (3–2 UFC)
- 4–0 (T)KO
- 5–0 SUB
Eduarda Moura is coming off a one-sided decision loss to Wang Cong, who will challenge for the division’s title next month at UFC 332. The Brazilian contender, 32, struggled to impose her grappling while getting outclassed on the feet. Still, “Ronda” remains a dangerous presence on the ground, averaging 3.58 takedowns per 15 minutes. Moura will likely look to execute a similar — albeit more effective — game plan against the formidable striker in Casey O’Neill.
Casey O’Neill vs. Eduarda Moura Pick, Best Bet
Casey O’Neill’s historically strong takedown defense should hold against Eduarda Moura, who has been largely inefficient with her entries since arriving in the UFC. With a clear edge on the feet, “King” should be able to pepper her opponent with strikes with little resistance. Another first-round knockout seems unlikely, as O’Neill sports a 55 percent finish rate and Moura has never been stopped in her career. Even so, O’Neill has the tools to get her hand raised on Saturday night in Los Angeles.
Best Bet: Casey O’Neill by Decision (+100)