The women’s strawweight division features an intriguing matchup at UFC Fight Night 256, as Elise Reed (8-4) takes on Denise Gomes (10-3). Reed is looking to secure back-to-back wins for the first time in her UFC career, while Gomes aims to extend her winning streak and solidify her position as a rising contender.
Fighter Profiles & Recent Form
Elise Reed
- Record: 8-4
- Age: 32
- Height: 5’3″
- Reach: 63″
- Fight Style: Taekwondo-based striking with solid movement
- Recent Form: Reed is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Jessica Penne in October 2024, showcasing her ability to control distance and pace. However, she has struggled against grappling specialists, suffering submission losses to Loma Lookboonmee and Loopy Godinez.
Denise Gomes
- Record: 10-3
- Age: 25
- Height: 5’2″
- Reach: 63″
- Fight Style: Aggressive striker with knockout power
- Recent Form: Gomes has won four of her last five fights, including an impressive victory over Karolina Kowalkiewicz in November 2024. She also holds the fastest finish in UFC strawweight history, securing a 20-second TKO over Yazmin Jauregui at UFC 290.
Fight Breakdown & Key Factors
Striking Battle
- Reed has higher striking accuracy (53%), compared to Gomes’ 50%.
- Gomes lands 4.55 significant strikes per minute, while Reed averages 3.50.
- Gomes’ aggressive style could overwhelm Reed early, but Reed’s technical striking may help her counter effectively.
Grappling & Ground Game
- Gomes has 67% takedown defense, making her difficult to control on the ground.
- Reed has 60% takedown accuracy, but she rarely initiates grappling exchanges.
- If Gomes keeps the fight standing, she has a strong chance of dictating the pace.
Cardio & Durability
- Reed has never been finished in the UFC, showing strong durability.
- Gomes has six knockout wins, proving she can capitalize on openings.
- Both fighters have gone the distance multiple times, making a decision likely.
Gomes’ relentless pace and power give her the edge. Reed has the technical striking to make this competitive, but Gomes’ aggression and finishing ability could be the deciding factors.
FIGHT ODDS
Elise Reed + 350
Denise Gomes – 455
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, May 16, 2025
