Molly McCann vs Alexia Thainara Predictions, Picks & Odds

What’s a UFC card in London without fan favorite Molly McCann on the undercard? The hard-charging McCann faces Alexia Thainara, who comes in on short notice, as one of our featured undercard attractions of this Saturday’s UFC Fight Night.

UFC odds are not holding Thainara’s late notice against her as she is a -190 favorite, while McCann is a +150 underdog. Here are my best McCann vs. Thainara predictions and free betting picks for Saturday, March 22.

McCann vs Thainara prediction and best bet

• My fight prediction: Thainara moneyline (-200 at BET99)
  
  
• My best bet: Thainara by submission (+425 at BET99)

Fight analysis
Molly McCann is a staple on UK cards, and while she always comes to fight, her role in the UFC often feels more about selling tickets in England than anything else. Originally, she was set to face Istela Nunes in what looked like a winnable matchup, but Visa issues forced Nunes out, and now she faces a tougher test in Alexia Thainara.

McCann is 2-3 in her last five fights and is coming off a decision loss to Bruna Brasil, where she was outworked by a low-volume striker and taken down three times.

She thrives on relentless forward pressure and staying in the pocket, but her effectiveness is limited by a lack of true knockout power. Instead, she relies on volume and toughness to outpace opponents. Her cardio is excellent and she lands 5.39 significant strikes per minute while absorbing 4.72. If nothing else, McCann fights hard for the full 15 minutes, and her opponents must be ready for it.

Thainara earned her UFC contract with a Contender Series win over Rose Conceicao last September. She was one of the top fighters on the Brazilian regional scene, compiling an 11-1 record with most wins coming by submission.

She steps in on short notice but has clear advantages, including a five-inch reach and a well-rounded grappling game. McCann has struggled with takedown defense and has been submitted three times, making this a favorable stylistic matchup for Thainara.

One concern from Thainara’s win over Conceicao was her lack of urgency despite dominating the fight. She appeared hittable, and McCann will test her defense as long as she can stay upright. However, McCann’s defensive flaws and inability to stop takedowns will likely determine the outcome. Thainara is the pick.

Best bet analysis
McCann will have trouble dealing with Thainara’s grappling. Once the fight hits the mat, Thainara will aggressively work toward submission and finish the fight. Thainara by submission is my best bet.

Molly McCann vs Alexia Thainara odds

Method of Victory	McCann	Thainara
To win outright	+160	-200
To win by KO/TKO	+675	+850
To win by decision	+320	+115
To win by submission	+1450	+425
Draw	+2500	+2500

Odds as of 3-21.

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Molly McCann vs Alexia Thainara tale of the tape

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