Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at Titan FC and World Series of Fighting veteran Kalindra Faria as she makes her UFC debut against fellow debutant Mara Romero Borella at UFC 216 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Kalindra Faria
Hometown: Taubate, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Age: 31
Height: 5’5”
Reach: 62”
Weight Class: Flyweight
Camp: Bronx’s Gold Team
Career Record: 18-5-1
Key Wins: Carina Damm
Key Losses: Jessica Aguilar, Karolina Kowalkiewicz
Background
The nine-year MMA veteran makes her way over to the UFC after appearing in several of the biggest promotions in women’s MMA including KSW, Titan FC, and World Series of Fighting. Faria is on a three fight winning streak and most recently earned a decision win over Carina Damm in Titan FC in September 2016.
Strengths
- Physically strong fighter
- Good power in her hands
- Deceptively good kicking game
- Decent body lock takedown
Weaknesses
- Stiff striking technique
- Moments of inactivity on the feet
- Leaves neck opposed too often allowing opponents submission attempts
Fighter Grade
Offensive Striking: C
Striking Defense: D+
Knockout Power: C+
Athleticism/Speed: C
Footwork: D
Chin: D+
Offensive Wrestling: C-
Takedown Defense: C-
Submissions: D
Conditioning: D+
Intangibles: C-
Overall Grade: C-
Matchup against Mara Romero Borella
In a matchup of debuting flyweights, Kalindra Faria takes on Mara Romero Borella. Both fighters are competent strikers which should make for an entertaining contest. Faria is a forwarding attacking striker, while Borella is a counter puncher. If the fight does stay on the feet for prolonged periods, Faria is the more dynamic, powerful striker and should have the advantage. She does have moments of inactivity which could be a cause for concern, but I don’t see Borella having the power in her hands to make her pay. The grappling advantage also goes to Faria. She’s a much better offensive wrestler than Borella and should be able to control this fight on the ground if she wants. In addition to the technical advantages, Faria can rely on the experience of her 24 professional bouts to either win on the feet or on the ground to earn the victory. In about likely to go to decision among debuting fighters, it’s difficult to get involved from a betting perspective despite the advantages for Faria in this bout given the variance in level fighters show in their debuts.
UFC Ceiling
Kalindra Faria is a solid veteran with both a capable striking game as well as underrated offensive wrestling. She’s physically strong which should allow her to compete right away in the UFC. Look for her to be a gatekeeper to the better half of the division and perhaps even be a top 15 flyweight once the division opens in full later this year.
Fight Film
Check out Kalindra Faria in some of his most recent fights:
Kalindra Faria vs. Laura Balin
Kalindra Faria vs. Carina Damm
https://www.ufc.tv/video/kalindra-faria-vs-carina-damm-titan-fc-41
Kalindra Faria vs. Geisa Sena
