Luana Pinheiro vs Angela Hill Prediction: a tight fight between two strugglers

The fight between Luana Pinheiro and Angela Hill is the 8th of 12 in UFC Fight Night: Barboza vs. Murphy. This fight pits two dynamic fighters against each other, each looking to solidify their standing in the division. Fans can catch up with the fight live on ESPN.

Luana Pinheiro is coming off a crucial back-to-back losing streak, during which fans can begin to worry about her form and her ability to win bouts. Her last bout was against Amanda Ribas, which was disappointing as Pinheiro lost barely a minute in the first round to submission. Prior to this, she had a bout against Ffion Davies last December in the UFC Fight Night and lost in the third round via knockout. As much as her recent form is questionable, her record is pretty solid still. She has a professional record of 11 wins, with a nine-straight winning streak from July 2017 to April 2023. Back to her UFC record, she currently stands with 3 wins and a loss, with wins against top opponents like Michelle Waterson-Gomez, Sam Hughes, and Randa Markos. She will be looking for a win to further cement her strength in the rankings.

With 16 wins and 13 losses, Angela Hill has faced some of the best fighters in the division and remains a determined and resilient contender. Despite a loss to Mackenzie Dern in May 2023, Hill bounced back with a unanimous decision victory over Denise Gomes in November 2023. Her wins against Emily Ducote and Loopy Godínez in 2022 showcased her ability to maintain a high pace and outwork her opponents over three rounds. Coming off a win in her last fight in 2023, Angela Hill hopes to kickstart this year with a victory, hoping to begin a long-term winning streak.

Judging from the fact that none of the two female fighters have an enviable knockout percentage, the judges will likely decide this game. Although Hill seems more experienced and possesses technical striking skills, making her a tough matchup, Pinheiro, who has developed a dangerous submission arsenal and a solid striking game with her ability to transition smoothly between striking and grappling, is undoubtedly a formidable opponent. Pinheiro is currently on two losing streaks, which she will keenly determine to put a stop to. She is also of lesser age than Hill, giving her an added advantage. My prediction is that Luana Pinheiro wins, but not by knockout.