MMA fans are all excited in anticipation of the forthcoming UFC Fight Night: Ankalaev vs Walker. As part of this event, Ketlen Vieira will lock horns with Macy Chiasson in the bantamweight division. Two veterans and seasoned fighters in a division that’s always hungry for fresh contenders. The fight is slated for the 31.05.2025 at the iconic UFC Apex in Las Vegas at 10 PM GMT and provides lots of betting opportunities to explore, so let’s do just that.
A Rebooked Fight
This fight should have originally been featured as part of the UFC Fight Night: Cejudo vs Song on the 23rd February, but that didn’t happen (it got cancelled because Macy Chiasson got injured along the way and had to pull out). Certainly, this gave enough time for both fighters to reset and better prepare.
Ketlen Vieira AKA “Fenômeno”
Ketlen Vieira is a Brazilian fighter with a baggage of grappling and striking skills. She’s 33 and holds a professional record of 14-4-0. Her strength is her ability to control fights by keeping opponents on the ground, securing takedowns, and constantly searching for submission attempts.
Ketlen’s UFC stats highlight a solid 1.39 takedowns per 15 minutes with a 44% accuracy rate. But perhaps even more impressive is her 88% takedown defense, making her incredibly difficult to put on her back. On the feet, she lands 2.92 significant strikes per minute with 41% accuracy, but she also absorbs a fair bit, taking 3.90 significant strikes per minute.
Vieira’s recent record tells a story of inconsistency. She’s lost two of her last three fights, including a unanimous decision loss to Kayla Harrison in October 2024, which was a big test. Before that, she secured a unanimous decision win over Pannie Kianzad in July 2023. Fenômeno’s fights often go the distance, showcasing her durability and ability to grind out decisions. She’s a tough out for anyone in the division, always looking to impose her will and dictate the pace. This is something Chiasson needs to be worried about.
Macy Chiasson
Macy Chiasson is a 33-year-old American who earned her stripes as “The Ultimate Fighter” winner. Chiasson’s professional record stands at record of 11-3-0 and reflects the profile of a fighter who has consistently evolved, particularly in her striking game. She stands at 5’11” with a 72″ reach, giving her a notable advantage in length over Vieira.
Furthermore, Chiasson’s striking numbers are impressive: she lands 3.77 significant strikes per minute with 46% accuracy, while absorbing only 2.79 per minute. This suggests a more active and defensively sound striking approach. While primarily known for her stand-up, she also averages 2.37 takedowns per 15 minutes, though her accuracy is lower at 38%. Her takedown defense sits at 70%, which will be a crucial factor against Vieira.
Macy is coming off some strong performances, including a TKO victory over Mayra Bueno Silva in June 2024 and a submission win against Pannie Kianzad in March 2024. These recent finishes indicate a dangerous fighter who can capitalize on opportunities. She brings a dynamic, aggressive style, always looking for the finish, whether it’s with her hands or a submission.
Possible Scenarios to Expect
Looking at the numbers, we can only conclude that it will be a very combative bout. Vieira, with her strong grappling and defensive skills, will likely aim to close the distance, secure takedowns, and work from top control. Her excellent takedown defense means Chiasson will have a tough time reversing positions if the fight hits the mat.
On the other hand, Chiasson’s longer reach and higher striking output suggest she’ll want to keep the fight at a distance, utilizing her jabs, straights, and kicks to chip away at Vieira. Her ability to land more strikes while absorbing fewer is a key advantage if the fight stays standing. Can Chiasson’s 70% takedown defense hold up against Vieira’s persistent grappling entries? That’s the million-dollar question, folks.
I’m looking out for any last-minute news or changes in the bookie odds that may be suggestive of the direction of the fight.
Update
The level of excitement is rising, as fans all over the world gear up for the power-packed UFC Fight Night: Ankalaev vs. Walker 2 at the UFC Apex octagon. The bantamweight division bout Ketlen Vieira vs Macy Chiasson is equally highly anticipated, especially after it was initially cancelled.
Looking at the last fight of Ketlen Vieira AKA Fenomeno, which she lost by unanimous decision against Kayla Harrison, a two-time judoka gold medalist at the Olympics and two-time lightweight champion, most fans considered it more of a lesson than an actual defeat, considering the experience and completeness of the opponent. Plus, she lasted 3 rounds.
On the other hand, Macy Chiasson, with her Knockout victory over Mayra Bueno, further cemented her place as a true force to reckon with in the bantamweight division. This Ketlen Vieira vs Macy Chiasson battle isn’t only a clash of style! It is one of consistency vs relentlessness. So, who are you backing? For me, I see Macy Chiasson emerging as the winner. She is on a good run and has taken out more experienced fighters before. I don’t think Ketlen can stop her at this time. The odds on VIP-IBC are around 1.88, so register on the best betting platform if you’ve not done so yet.