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UFC Bantamweight

Melissa Croden VS Dariya Zheleznyakova

Canada Life Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Tale of the Tape

8-4-0 Record 10-4-0
35 Age 30
175 cm Height 175 cm
174 cm Reach 173 cm
orthodox Stance orthodox
88% Finish rate 50%
75% KO rate 50%
13% Sub rate 0%

Result Summary

Melissa Croden def. Dariya Zheleznyakova Decision (unanimous) · R3 5:00

This bantamweight bout was a grueling, 15-minute striking affair. Dariya Zheleznyakova started out fast, using sharp boxing combinations and slick head movement to touch up Melissa Croden in the opening round. Showing excellent fight IQ, Croden adjusted in the second frame, utilizing heavy kicks and physical clinch entries to slow down the Russian's lateral movement. In the third round, Croden's superior conditioning and relentless forward pressure completely took over the fight. She dictated the pace, landing the heavier, more damaging shots down the stretch to secure a unanimous decision victory (29-28 across all cards).

Fight Overview

Canadian bantamweight Melissa 'Scare' Croden aims to secure her second UFC victory in front of her compatriots when she faces tough Russian striker Dariya Zheleznyakova. Croden impressed with a dominant debut finish, while Zheleznyakova seeks to cement herself as a rising threat in the 135-pound division.

Keys to Victory

Melissa Croden

  1. Leverage her significant 5'9" height advantage to dictate striking exchanges from a safe range.
  2. Mix in timely takedowns to test Zheleznyakova's grappling defense and control the pace.
  3. Build output over time; utilize her strong cardio to break Zheleznyakova down in the second and third rounds.

Dariya Zheleznyakova

  1. Slip past Croden's long jab using fast head movement and close the distance to land inside boxing combinations.
  2. Defend takedowns aggressively to force the taller Croden to trade in the pocket.
  3. Throw heavy overhand rights to counter Croden's linear attacks.

Last 5 fights

Melissa Croden

  1. L Luana Santos Decision · R3 5:00 · 13 DEC 2025
  2. W Tainara Lisboa KO · R3 4:32 · 18 OCT 2025
  3. W Ashley Deen TKO · R2 0:22 · 25 OCT 2024
  4. W Katharina Lehner TKO · R3 3:20 · 6 OCT 2023
  5. L Jacqueline Cavalcanti Decision · R5 5:00 · 21 APR 2023

Dariya Zheleznyakova

  1. W Melissa Mullins Decision · R3 5:00 · 21 JUN 2025
  2. L Ailín Pérez Submission · R1 3:52 · 28 SEPT 2024
  3. W Montserrat Rendon Decision · R3 5:00 · 23 MAR 2024
  4. W Marie Loiseau KO · R1 1:27 · 7 APR 2023
  5. L Melissa Mullins KO · R1 4:59 · 3 NOV 2022

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AI-generated This analysis was generated with AI and may contain errors.

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