MMA Match Preview: Melissa Croden (7-2-0) vs. Luana Santos (9-2-0)

Venue & Event Details

Event: UFC Fight Night: Bonfim vs. Brown

Location: UFC Apex, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

Start Time: Preliminary card begins 1:00 PM ET (10:00 AM PT); Croden vs. Santos scheduled for early prelims

Injury Report

Melissa Croden: No reported injuries; enters camp healthy.

Luana Santos: Cleared for full training; no significant camp issues.

Fighter Matchups

Melissa Croden (Canada, 34 years old)

Record: 7-2-0

Height/Reach: 5’9”, 68.5” reach

Style: Long striker, prefers to fight at range with jab and kicks

Strikes Landed: ~3.5 per min, 42% accuracy

Strikes Absorbed: ~3.8 per min, 50% defense

Grappling: Limited takedown offense, vulnerable to pressure

Luana Santos (Brazil, 25 years old)

Record: 9-2-0

Height/Reach: 5’6”, 67” reach

Style: Well-rounded, mixes striking with opportunistic grappling

Strikes Landed: ~4.2 per min, 51% accuracy

Strikes Absorbed: ~3.2 per min, 56% defense

Grappling: 1.2 takedowns per 15 min, 40% accuracy, strong top control

Recent Form

Croden: 3-2 in last 5; rebounded with a decision win in her last outing after a submission loss.

Santos: 4-1 in last 5; currently on a three-fight win streak, including a decision over Tainara Lisboa in May 2025.

Fight History & Context

Croden is still relatively new to UFC competition, known for her durability and length but has struggled against grapplers.

Santos has quickly risen in the bantamweight rankings, showing composure against both strikers and wrestlers.

Betting Trends

Croden: 5 of last 7 fights have gone to decision.

Santos: 3 of last 4 wins by decision, showing control but not always finishing ability.

Both fighters trend toward Over 2.5 rounds due to durability and measured pace.

Bottom Line: This is a classic striker vs. well-rounded technician matchup. Croden’s reach and jab could trouble Santos early, but Santos’ ability to mix levels and control pace makes her the rightful favorite. Expect a competitive but methodical fight, with Santos likely winning on the scorecards.

FIGHT ODDS

Melissa Croden                + 160

Luana Santos                     – 190

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, November 7, 2025