MMA Match Preview: Hailey Cowan (7-3, 0-1 UFC) vs. Nora Cornolle (8-2, 2-1 UFC)

Hailey Cowan and Nora Cornolle are set to face off in an intriguing women’s bantamweight bout at UFC 314 on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. This fight will kick off the event as part of the preliminary card, with the fighters expected to make their walkouts at approximately 6:10 PM ET. Both athletes are looking to make a statement in the division, making this a pivotal matchup.

Fighter Overview

Hailey Cowan (7-3, 0-1 UFC): Known as “All Hail,” Cowan is a former high-level gymnast who transitioned to MMA, bringing athleticism and physicality to her fights. However, her UFC debut in 2023 ended in disappointment with a unanimous decision loss to Jamey-Lyn Horth. Since then, Cowan has been sidelined for two years due to a broken leg, making this her return to the Octagon. With a mix of striking and grappling, Cowan will need to shake off any ring rust and hit the ground running against a tough opponent.

Nora Cornolle (8-2, 2-1 UFC): Cornolle, a French striker, has shown steady improvement since joining the UFC. After winning her first two UFC bouts against Joselyne Edwards and Melissa Mullins, she suffered her first promotional loss in a split decision to Jacqueline Cavalcanti in September 2024. Cornolle is known for her toughness and striking power, and she has been developing a functional ground game to complement her stand-up skills. Currently ranked 13th in the division, Cornolle is eager to bounce back and climb the rankings.

Key Factors to Watch

Activity vs. Layoff: Cornolle has been active in the Octagon, while Cowan is returning after a two-year absence. How Cowan handles the pressure and pace of a live fight after such a long layoff will be critical.

Striking vs. Physicality: Cornolle’s striking background gives her an edge in stand-up exchanges, but Cowan’s athleticism and physical strength could play a role in clinch and grappling situations.

Durability and Toughness: Both fighters have shown resilience in their careers, but Cornolle’s ability to grind out tough fights could give her an advantage in a closely contested bout.

Tactical Analysis

Hailey Cowan: Cowan will need to use her physicality and athleticism to close the distance and neutralize Cornolle’s striking. Mixing in takedowns and controlling the fight on the ground could be her best path to victory. Cowan’s ability to stay composed and avoid overcommitting in exchanges will be crucial.

Nora Cornolle: Cornolle will aim to keep the fight standing and use her striking to dictate the pace. Her ability to land significant strikes and maintain distance will be key. Cornolle’s improved ground game could also come into play if the fight goes to the mat.

Matchup Insights

Cornolle has finished five of her eight wins, showcasing her ability to end fights decisively.

Cowan’s athletic background gives her a unique edge in terms of explosiveness and adaptability, but her lack of recent activity could be a factor.

Both fighters are looking to rebound from setbacks, adding extra stakes to this matchup.

Hailey Cowan + 150                        Nora Cornolle – 180

Over 2.5 – 230                                   Under 2.5 + 175

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, April 11, 2025