UFC 287: Michelle Waterson-Gomez vs Luana Pinheiro 4/8/23 – On Saturday at Barclays Center, Michelle Waterson-Gomez and Luana Pinheiro will square off in a Strawweight Division showdown. Waterson faces an intimidating opponent and must do her best to prevail. Despite having more experience, Waterson has suffered multiple defeats throughout her career. Waterson will attempt to use her experience against Pinheiro in what promises to be one of the most exciting fights of the night. The main event will feature Alex Pereira versus Israel Adesanya. Luana Pinheiro is widely predicted to prevail in her fight against Michelle Waterson-Gomez on Saturday night, according to the top UFC betting sites.
Michelle Waterson-Gomez vs Luana Pinheiro
Date & Time: Saturday, April 8, 2023 at 8:00 PM ET
Location: FTX Arena, Miami, Florida
TV: ESPN+
UFC 287: Waterson-Gomez vs Pinheiro 4/8/23 Betting Odds
Waterson-Gomez
Moneyline: +142
Pinheiro
Moneyline: -162
Michelle Waterson-Gomez vs Luana Pinheiro Analysis
Michelle Waterson-Gomez is an American mixed martial artist and model who competes in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. She was previously known as Invicta FC Atomweight Champion, ranking No. 1 women’s atomweight fighter globally from 2013 until 2014. As of March 7, 2023, Waterson-Gomez ranks #10 on UFC Women’s Strawweight rankings. Luana Pinheiro is a Brazilian mixed martial artist competing in the strawweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. On April 24, 2021 at UFC 261, Pinheiro defeated Randa Markos via first-round TKO and went on to face veteran fighter Angela Hill at UFC Fight Night on May 8th 2021; winning by unanimous decision.
Michelle Waterson-Gomez is not as effective a grappler as Michelle Pinheiro, who scores takedowns 1.43 times per 3 rounds. Michelle Waterson-Gomez gets her opponents down on 33% of attempts while stopping 67%. In terms of takedown attempts against her, Michelle Waterson-Gomez attempts 77% and stops 15%; she subbing opponents more frequently at 0.8 submissions per 3 rounds while Pinheiro averages 0.7 submissions every 15 minutes.
Michelle Waterson-Gomez, also known as ‘The Karate Hottie’, enters this fight with an impressive 18-10-0 career record. Unfortunately, Michelle Waterson-Gomez is currently on a two-fight losing streak and last July she succumbed to Amanda Lemos and ultimately lost by way of a guillotine choke in round 2. Lemos scored 20 of 35 total strikes that she let go in that contest, while Waterson-Gomez finished with 35 out of 62 strikes landed. Lemos’ rate of landing significant strikes was 57%, as she connected on 20 of 35 attempts for a rate of 57%. Of her 23 direct hits at the head, 11 were successful; Michelle Waterson-Gomez on the other hand connected on 51% of her significant strikes with 29 of 56 landings; 7 of 24 hit the head directly. All strikes connected by Lemos and Michelle Waterson-Gomez were from distance 100% and 93%, respectively.
Luana Pinheiro boasts an impressive 10-1-0 career record in the ring, winning three fights in a row. In late 2021 Luana Pinheiro made her final Octagon appearance against Sam Hughes and came out victorious by unanimous decision in round 3. Hughes connected on 94% of her significant strikes attempted from distance, while Pinheiro connected on 88%. As a result, Pinheiro connected on 60 out of 159 attempts for an impressive 37% success rate. Hughes connected on 40 of 126 significant strikes aimed at the head in that contest, connecting on 53 of 130. She struck out 23 times out of 72 times to hit her target. Out of all strikes attempted in that match, Hughes connected on 65 of 147 while Pinheiro connected on 67 out of 170 attempts.
Michelle Waterson-Gomez vs Luana Pinheiro Stats
| Waterson-Gomez | Pinheiro | |
| Wins/Losses/Draws | 18-10-0 | 10-1-0 |
| Average Fight Time | 14:15 | 7:21 |
| Height | 5′ 3″ | 5′ 2″ |
| Weight | 115 lbs. | 115 lbs. |
| Reach | 62″ | 62″ |
| Stance | Orthodox | Orthodox |
| Strikes Landed per Min. | 3.60 | 4.49 |
| Striking Accuracy | 48% | 41% |
| Strikes Absorbed per Min. | 4.09 | 3.40 |
| Defense | 50% | 60% |
| Takedowns Average/15 min. | 1.43 | 4.76 |
| Takedown Accuracy | 33% | 77% |
| Takedown Defense | 67% | 0% |
| Submission Average/15 min. | 0.8 | 0.7 |
Michelle Waterson-Gomez vs Luana Pinheiro Free Pick
Michelle Waterson-Gomez is clearly the weaker fighter in this matchup and will struggle to stay competitive. Luana Pinheiro boasts more strength and agility, which should give her an edge in this contest. Luana Pinheiro will come out on top in this fight according to all the major UFC betting lines.
Free Pick: Luana Pinheiro -162
