MMA Match Preview: Bia Mesquita (5-0) vs. Irina Alekseeva (5-3)

Venue & Event Details

Event: UFC Fight Night 261: Oliveira vs. Gamrot

Location: Farmasi Arena, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Time: Main card begins 4:00 p.m. ET / 1:00 p.m. PT

Bout Order: Preliminary card, 3-round bantamweight fight

Weather Forecast (Rio de Janeiro)

Temperature: ~78°F (26°C)

Conditions: Humid, partly cloudy

Impact: None – indoor arena event

Injury Report

Beatriz Mesquita: Healthy, no reported issues.

Irina Alekseeva: Healthy, cleared to fight.

Fighter Matchups

Beatriz “Bia” Mesquita (Brazil, 5-0, 1 KO, 3 SUB)

Age: 34 Height: 5’4” Reach: 66”

Background: 10-time BJJ world champion, ADCC medalist.

Strengths: Elite grappling, rear-naked choke specialist, strong top control.

Weaknesses: Limited striking experience, hittable entries.

Irina “Russian Ronda” Alekseeva (Russia, 5-3, 1 KO, 2 SUB)

Age: 35 Height: 5’8” Reach: 67”

Background: Judo base, aggressive clinch fighter.

Strengths: Size advantage, durable, opportunistic submissions.

Weaknesses: Struggles with cardio, poor striking defense, 0-2 in last two UFC fights.

Key Battle: Mesquita’s takedown entries vs. Alekseeva’s judo defense. If the fight hits the mat, Mesquita is heavily favored.

Records & Recent Form

Mesquita: 5-0 (all finishes except 1 DQ win). Last fight: TKO win over Sierra Dinwoodie (June 2025).

Alekseeva: 5-3, 1-2 UFC. Last fight: Unanimous decision loss to Klaudia Sygula (June 2025).

Series History

First meeting between the two fighters.

Betting Trends

Mesquita: 4 of 5 wins by finish (3 subs, 1 TKO).

Alekseeva: 2-fight losing streak, both by decision.

UFC debutants with elite grappling pedigrees often favored in Brazil.

Bottom Line

This fight is designed as a showcase for Mesquita in front of a home Brazilian crowd. Alekseeva’s size and judo background could make the opening minutes competitive, but Mesquita’s world-class grappling should overwhelm her. Expect a submission finish inside two rounds.

FIGHT ODDS

Bia Mesquita                     – 600

Trina Alekseeva                + 400

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, October 10, 2025