Anna Melisano vs Dione Barbosa — UFC Fight Night: du Plessis vs. Usman

← UFC Fight Night: du Plessis vs. UsmanAnna MelisanoDione Barbosa

Anna Melisano vs Dione Barbosa — Women's Flyweight — was scheduled for Saturday, July 18, 2026 at UFC Fight Night: du Plessis vs. Usman in Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Official result not yet recorded. Picks Terminal covers the matchup with a win-probability estimate, a matchup breakdown and fight intel drawn from public sources.

slot.Prelim · Women's FlyweightID · 32DFEE98-FFAB-43B5-BEBE-C1C1409BA8EE

Rank UFC Debutant · Women's Flyweight

Anna Melisano

"Bandana"

6-1-0 · Striker

Rank Ranked Prospect · Women's Flyweight

Dione Barbosa

"The Witch"

9-4-0 · Jiu-Jitsu / Grappler

Win Probability Model · v4.2

Melisano

44%

Edge12%

Barbosa

56%

Skill Comparison

Striking

Wrestling

Cardio

Takedown Defense

Chin Durability

Physical Attributes

MelisanoMetricBarbosa

5'6"Height5'6"

70"Reach66"

28Age34

OrthodoxStanceOrthodox

0%Finish Rate44%

Career Records

MelisanoMetricBarbosa

0Wins by KO/TKO0

0Wins by Submission3

0Sig. Strikes / Min2.21

0Sig. Strikes Absorbed / Min2.40

0%Striking Accuracy45%

0%Striking Defense64%

0Takedowns / 15 min2.40

0%Takedown Accuracy44%

0%Takedown Defense63%

0Submissions / 15 min1.70

Fight Intel

Public Consensus

— Consensus data unavailable —

In-Depth Analysis

Model favors Barbosa

Key Advantages

3.5-inch reach advantage for Melisano to control distance
Barbosa's high 1.7 submission average per 15 minutes
Melisano's youth (28 vs 34) and amateur win over UFC vet Carli Judice

Potential Concerns

Melisano's 0% UFC statistical data indicates potential jitters in a debut environment
Barbosa's low 8% career takedown accuracy suggests inefficient entry attempts
Melisano's lack of professional finishes (0% finish rate) may allow Barbosa to linger in the fight

AI Analysis

Melisano brings a significant reach advantage and high-level athleticism, but Barbosa’s 2.4 TD average provides a clear path to victory.

Forecast

Expect a cage-heavy battle early as Barbosa looks to find her 2.4 TD average rhythm. Melisano will likely use her 70-inch reach to pot-shot from the outside, but the strength difference of the former Strawweight moving up may be an issue in the clinch. Barbosa is persistent with her grappling and should eventually find a takedown in the second or third round. Melisano has shown solid cardio in past decision wins, but Barbosa's submission threat is the deciding factor. I predict Dione Barbosa via Unanimous Decision or late 3rd-round submission.

Skill ratings, win probability, advantages, concerns, and forecast are AI-generated predictions based on scraped fighter profiles — not official UFC stats or guarantees.

Matchup Breakdown

This is a classic 'striker vs. grappler' matchup. Melisano is moving up to Flyweight after competing at Strawweight (115 lbs) in Fury FC, which may mitigate her reach advantage but improve her durability. Barbosa relies heavily on her ground game, evidenced by her 44% submission win rate and 1.7 sub average. While Melisano's amateur record shows high-level defensive capabilities, she must keep the fight standing to win a decision, as she has yet to show finishing power at the professional level. Barbosa's experience against high-level UFC competition like Melissa Gatto gives her the edge in composure.

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