MMA Match Preview: Piera Rodriguez (10-2) vs. Ketlen Souza (15-5)

Date: Saturday, August 2, 2025
Event: UFC Fight Night: Taira vs. Park
Location: UFC Apex, Las Vegas, Nevada
Division: Women’s Strawweight (115 lbs)
Card Placement: Preliminary Card Opener
Broadcast: ESPN+ / UFC Fight Pass

Fight Overview

Two South American warriors collide in a pivotal strawweight bout as Piera “La Fiera” Rodriguez (10-2) takes on Ketlen “Esquentadinha” Souza (15-5). Both fighters are looking to climb the rankings and solidify their place in the UFC after mixed results in recent outings. Rodriguez, a former LFA champion, brings a pressure-heavy wrestling style, while Souza is a wild brawler with knockout power and sneaky submissions. This fight kicks off UFC Vegas 108 and promises a fast-paced, gritty battle.

Tale of the Tape

Attribute	Piera Rodriguez	Ketlen Souza
Record	10-2	15-5
Age	32	30
Height	5’3″	5’3″
Reach	63.5″	63″
Stance	Orthodox	Orthodox
UFC Record	3-2	2-2
Last Fight	Win vs. Josefine Knutsson (DEC)	Loss vs. Angela Hill (SD)

Fighter Breakdown

🇻🇪 Piera Rodriguez – “La Fiera”

Strengths:

High-volume wrestling (4.06 takedowns per 15 minutes)

Durable and composed under pressure

Solid cardio and fight IQ

Weaknesses:

Limited finishing ability in UFC (all wins by decision)

Vulnerable to submissions (loss to Gillian Robertson)

Struggles against physically stronger opponents

🇧🇷 Ketlen Souza – “Esquentadinha”

Strengths:

Knockout power and aggressive striking

Opportunistic submission game (RNC win over Jauregui)

Unorthodox offense and unpredictable rhythm

Weaknesses:

Inconsistent takedown defense

Prone to fouls and defensive lapses

Can be outworked in technical exchanges

Tactical Matchup

Rodriguez’s Path to Victory:
Use her wrestling to control the pace, secure takedowns, and grind Souza down. She must avoid wild exchanges and keep the fight methodical.

Souza’s Path to Victory:
Push forward aggressively, stuff takedowns, and land power shots early. If she can keep Rodriguez on the back foot, she has a real chance to score a finish or steal rounds.

Rodriguez’s wrestling and composure give her the edge in a three-round contest, especially if she avoids Souza’s early blitz. While Souza is dangerous, Rodriguez’s ability to control the fight and avoid damage should carry her to a decision win.