MMA Fight Preview: Sam Hughes (9-6) vs. Stephanie Luciano (6-1-1)

The upcoming MMA match between Sam Hughes and Stephanie Luciano at UFC Fight Night 254 on Saturday, March 15, 2025, is set to be an intriguing contest.

Fighter Overview

Sam Hughes (“Sampage”)

Record: 9-6-0

Height: 5’5″

Weight: 115 lbs

Reach: 64″

Stance: Orthodox

Striking Accuracy: 46%

Takedown Accuracy: 30%

Submission Average: 0.0 per 15 minutes

Stephanie Luciano (“Rondinha”)

Record: 6-1-1

Height: 5’6″

Weight: 115 lbs

Reach: 65″

Stance: Orthodox

Striking Accuracy: 48%

Takedown Accuracy: 100%

Submission Average: 0.0 per 15 minutes

Recent Form

Sam Hughes

Hughes is coming off a win against Viktoriya Dudakova, showcasing her resilience and determination. However, her overall record indicates mixed outcomes, with notable losses to Yazmin Jauregui and Piera Rodriguez. Hughes absorbs significantly more strikes per minute than she lands, which could be a concern against a striker as efficient as Luciano.

Stephanie Luciano

Luciano has demonstrated a commanding presence in her recent fights, culminating in a decisive victory over Talita Alencar. With an impressive strike rate of 5.30 significant strikes per minute and a defensive mastery with a 68% strike defense, Luciano has consistently outperformed expectations.

Key Statistics

Strikes Landed per Minute (SLpM): Luciano 5.30, Hughes 4.33

Striking Defense: Luciano 68%, Hughes 56%

Takedown Defense: Luciano 85%, Hughes 60%

Matchup Breakdown

Offense vs. Defense

Luciano shines in the stand-up game with her 48% striking accuracy and superior defense, successfully warding off 68% of incoming attacks. This striking efficiency is key, especially when Hughes has shown vulnerability by absorbing nearly 4.46 significant strikes per minute at a lower defensive rate.

On the ground, while Hughes attempts more takedowns, her 30% accuracy pales in comparison to Luciano’s perfect 100% takedown accuracy. Given Luciano’s 85% takedown defense, Hughes’s grappling may not shift the tide in her favor as hoped.

Sam Hughes                                       + 215

Stephanie Luciano                           – 265

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, March 14, 2025