Veteran women’s bantamweights collide on Saturday night, as Melissa Croden faces Chelsea Chandler at UFC Fight Night: Buckley vs. Malott in Edmonton, Canada.
Croden (8–3, 2–1 UFC) is coming off a unanimous-decision win over Daria Zhelezniakova in April. Chandler (7–4, 3–3 UFC) is riding high after a first-round submission victory against Priscila Cachoeira in June.
Croden enters as a heavy -325 moneyline favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook. Chandler is a +260 underdog, with the fight total set at O/U 2.5 rounds.
Melissa Croden vs. Chelsea Chandler Fight Preview
Melissa Croden (#14)
- 8–3 (2–1 UFC)
- 6–0 (T)KO
- 1–0 SUB
Canada’s own Melissa Croden is looking to put on another show in her backyard. The gritty contender has won both her fights up North, including a TKO win over Tainara Lisboa in her 2025 Octagon debut.
“Scare,” 35, feeds off the Canadian energy, and she’ll likely keep her foot on the gas against Chelsea Chandler, who typically shies away from striking pressure. After returning to the win column earlier this year — but losing her 100 percent finish rate in the process — Croden could enter Saturday night with her sights set on making a statement.
Chelsea Chandler
- 7–4 (3–3 UFC)
- 2–1 (T)KO
- 2–0 SUB
Chelsea Chandler seemed to turn over a new leaf in her latest fight earlier this year. Albeit in a favorable matchup with Priscila Cachoeira, she landed a knockdown before locking in an arm bar for a first-round submission win.
That said, the 35-year-old American has struggled against forward striking pressure, as evidenced by her literal running away from Norma Dumont a few years ago. Chandler now steps into enemy territory against an opponent who dials it up a notch when fighting in her backyard.
Melissa Croden vs. Chelsea Chandler Pick, Best Bet
Melissa Croden gets after it in Canada, and she’s well-positioned to deliver another impressive performance up North against Chelsea Chandler. Feeding off the home crowd’s energy, the former could overwhelm the latter with striking pressure, something she’s historically struggled with. After a decision win spoiled her 100 percent finish rate, expect Croden to step on the gas in search of a stoppage.
