After an unfortunate personal setback, Cheyanne Vlismas (formerly Cheyanne Buys) will step inside the UFC Octagon after more than a year to take on Cory McKenna in the main event of the preliminary card at UFC Vegas 66 in Las Vegas. The UFC strawweight will put everything on the line as they square off against each other in what promises to be a striking exchange between two up-and-coming UFC fighters.
Vlismas made her UFC debut after a prolific performance at Dana White Contender’s Series back in March 2020. She would go on to compete thrice in the year 2021, winning on two of those occasions. Cheyanne Vlismas is on a two-fight win streak and will look to maintain the winning streak going against fellow newcomer Cory McKenna.
Fire up your @UFCFightPass for this one at #UFCVegas66 tomorrow!
🇺🇸 @CheyWarPrincess vs @CoryMcKenna99 🏴 pic.twitter.com/K1vr7GtA9J
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) December 16, 2022
Both the fighters are 7-2 in their respective mixed martial arts career, having lost once inside the UFC Octagon. It’s a competitive match-up between two rising prospects who are yet to see their true mettle in the cage. Having fought relatively unknown names, both fighters are yet to grab the attention of fight fans. Needless to say, heading the preliminary card should give just that.
Cheyanne Vlismas vs Cory McKenna prediction
Both Cheyanne and Cory like to keep the fight on their feet, so it’s no wonder that the UFC has decided to put the two women in the main event of the prelims despite some other exciting names on the same card. Cory likes to mix her game up more than Cheyanne, who prefers to engage in a striking contest. Moreoever, with back-to-back 50k bonuses, there’s no denying Cheyanne will look to get that performance bonus heading into this fight.
However, it will be easier said than done against Cory McKenna, whose sole two losses have come via way of a split decision. McKenna was slick on the ground in her last fight, submitting her opponent in the first minute of the second round to clinch the victory. It goes without saying, she will look to do the same against Cheyanne Vlismas.
“I want to continue the trend.”
Cory McKenna (@CoryMcKenna99) wants to keep building momentum off her submission win in August and showcase the improvements in her game at #UFCVegas66 🔊🆙
— UFC News (@UFCNews) December 16, 2022
It will all boil down to Vlismas’ takedown defense, but a year-long hiatus added to personal baggage after divorce with ex-husband JP Buys, it’s hard to see Cheyanne Vlismas getting her hands raised. We expect a first-round submission win for Cory McKenna.
Cheyanne Vlismas vs Cory McKenna prediction: Cory McKenna via Submission (First Round)