Prediction: Gabriella Fernandes inside the distance
Fernandes is the rightful favorite, no question. When you watch her fight, the first thing that jumps out is how explosive she is. Every movement is sharp and violent, and when she opens up, it’s dangerous. She throws like she’s trying to hurt you, not just score points.
And the thing is, she’s not just a striker. Gabriella has legit jiu-jitsu too. So it’s not like she’s going to panic if the fight hits the mat. She can hold her own there. That matters a lot against someone like Julija, because let’s be real: Stoliarenko is the ultimate one-trick pony. It’s the armbar or bust. That armbar is her whole identity. You take that away, she’s basically just a tough body with limited striking and not a whole lot of plan B.
Julija needs chaos. She thrives when her opponent is either inexperienced or careless enough to follow her to the ground and give up the arm. But Gabriella doesn’t strike me as the type to play those games. If she ends up on top, she’s measured. And more importantly, she has the kind of athleticism and technical sharpness that makes it really hard for someone like Julija to force the fight into her wheelhouse.
On the feet, it’s a mismatch. Gabriella is going to come out aggressive, and I honestly don’t see Julija surviving the opening five minutes. Her defense isn’t built to handle someone this explosive. Gabriella’s early flurries are violent and accurate, and she has the instincts to pounce the second she smells blood.