Venue: Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle, Washington, United States.
Start Times: Prelims begin at 5:00 PM ET (2:00 PM PT); Main Card at 8:00 PM ET. The full event streams live on Paramount+.
This women’s flyweight matchup is featured on the seven-fight prelims portion of the card headlined by Israel Adesanya vs. Joe Pyfer.
Injury Report
No injuries or withdrawals reported for either fighter. The bout is fully confirmed and on schedule. O’Neill enters injury-free after addressing prior knee issues (torn ACL in 2023) and is returning from an extended layoff. Fernandes has recovered from earlier hand/foot injuries and has been active.
Fighter Matchups and Profiles
Casey O’Neill (“King,” Irvine, Scotland / Queensland, Australia – Fight Ready MMA / Xtreme Couture)
Record: 10-2-0 (UFC: 5-2)
Age: 28
Height/Reach: 5’6″ / 69″
UFC Ranking: #14 Women’s Flyweight
Style: Well-rounded orthodox striker with elite volume (career SLpM 7.89, 52% accuracy), solid wrestling base, and finishing power (3 KO/TKO, 2 subs). Early-career prospect with rangy, explosive athleticism and fight IQ, but recent showings reflect reduced speed/explosiveness post-injuries and layoffs. Strong takedown defense (70%) but has been vulnerable to submissions.
Gabriella Fernandes (“Gabi,” São Gonçalo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – MMA Masters)
Record: 11-3-0 (UFC: 3-2)
Age: 32
Height/Reach: 5’6″ / 66″
UFC Ranking: #22 Women’s Flyweight
Style: Southpaw striker/grappler with well-rounded game, aggressive pressure, body work, and submission threat (RNC specialist). Former LFA champion who leverages pace and opportunism. Three-fight UFC win streak showcases adaptability against strikers and grapplers alike.
Key Physical/Style Edges: Identical height, but O’Neill’s 3-inch reach advantage and higher striking volume give her tools to control range on the feet. Fernandes counters with superior recent activity, southpaw stance (potentially awkward for orthodox O’Neill), and proven grappling adaptability. This is a clash of a former top prospect battling ring rust vs. a surging veteran on a hot streak.
Recent Form
Casey O’Neill (10-2, 1-fight win streak, 19-month layoff):
Aug. 17, 2024 – UD win (3 rounds, 30-27 x2, 30-26) vs. Luana Santos (UFC 305)
Dec. 16, 2023 – SUB loss (Armbar, R2, 1:18) vs. Ariane Lipski (UFC 296)
Mar. 18, 2023 – UD loss (3 rounds) vs. Jennifer Maia (UFC 286)
Feb. 12, 2022 – SD win (3 rounds) vs. Roxanne Modafferi (UFC 271)
O’Neill looked competitive in her most recent win but has shown diminished explosiveness and physicality since her early UFC run. The long layoff adds uncertainty.
Gabriella Fernandes (11-3, 3-fight win streak):
Aug. 9, 2025 – UD win (3 rounds) vs. Julija Stoliarenko (UFC Fight Night: Dolidze vs. Hernandez)
Nov. 23, 2024 – SUB win (RNC, R2, 3:49) vs. Wang Cong (UFC Fight Night; 2024 Upset of the Year)
Jun. 15, 2024 – Win vs. Carli Judice (streak builder)
Fernandes has looked sharp and adaptable, mastering different game plans without major scares during her streak.
Fight History Summary
O’Neill (pro since ~2019) was once viewed as a future title contender with 50% finish rate and dominant early UFC performances, but two losses and multiple long layoffs (including injury time) have slowed her trajectory. Never finished by strikes; 5 career decisions. Fernandes (pro since ~2021) started her UFC run 0-2 but has rebounded strongly with finishes and decisions. Well-rounded resume with 3 recent UFC wins showing evolution; comfortable going deep or finishing.
FIGHT ODDS
Casey O’Neill + 100
Gabriella Fernandes – 120
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, March 27, 2026
