Prospect Watch: Introducing Mara Romero Borella
Prospect Watch: Introducing Mara Romero Borella
UFC newcomer Mara Romero Borella has a solid track record heading into her promotional debut at UFC 216.
By Nolan King
On Saturday night at UFC 216, Italian MMA history will be made as recent short notice signee Mara Romero Borella, also known as “Kunoichici”, will be the first Italian female to compete in the UFC Octagon. Romero will face off with fellow newcomer Kalindra Faria as part of the five fight pay-per-view main card.
Italy isn’t exactly known for its mixed martial arts talent, but as the sport’s popularity has grown drastically internationally, it is no surprise that Italy is beginning to crank out some serious prospects. Following in the footsteps of Italian MMA legends Alessio Sakara and Ivan Serati, and more recent Italian MMA sensations Marvin Vettori and Alessio de Chirico, Borella hopes to legitimize her homeland’s spot in mixed martial arts infamy.
Her opponent, Kalindra Faria, is riding a three-fight winning streak going into this Saturday evening’s bout. Her most recent showing came in a win over Carina Damm by unanimous decision at Titan FC 41 back in September of 2016. The 31-year-old Brazilian is no easy task for anyone to take on, let alone in their promotional debut.
It’s always tough when analyzing fighters from small, regional promotions especially overseas. Many times, the MMA scene in their respective country is tiny, and there isn’t much talent in such small circuits. This makes it very hard to get an accurate reading on how good the competitor being analyzed is.
This was the case for Borella prior to her last fight when she competed for Invicta against former UFC veteran Milana Dudieva—a very telling bout, indeed.
Against Dudieva, Borella showed little interest in striking, with her game plan being blatantly clear. After dropping the first round, Borella rallied in the second and third rounds to pick up the split decision victory. The keys to her victory were simple, and really just came down to Borella playing to her strengths.
Borella has excellent trips in the clinch, which she has used to drag her opponents to the ground, including Dudieva. From there, Borella has a strong top game, easily slicing through her opponent’s guards. While she does look for submissions on occasion, Borella’s main focus seems to be ground and pound, which she utilizes whenever possible.
In fights on the Italian, Ukranian and Finnish MMA scenes, Borella displayed a more aggressive striking game than against Dudieva, and there is good reason for that. Borella has power and speed which can carry her against inferior opposition, but against Invicta level competition, she lacks a high level of striking technique. Often times, when her opposition decides to bite down on their mouth piece and start chucking strikes, Borella looks uncomfortable, and almost uses the good old “close your eyes and hope for the best” (granted this is a bit of a hyperbole).
One weapon that Borella has in her toolbox, but very seldom uses is her kicks. When she uses them, they work. The only problem is that she inexplicably under utilizes them. Her submission game also needs work, as she rarely going for submissions despite there being openings. In the grappling defense department, Borella also needs a bit of work, but is overall pretty solid.
An intangible working in the 31-year-old’s favor is her experience. For a female fighter to be entering the UFC with 15 professional bouts is almost unheard of. It is not more evident than in her poise and disposition in fights. Always cool, calm and collected, there aren’t many situations that seem to be able to rattle Borella in the cage.
On Saturday night at UFC 216, Italian MMA history will be made as recent short notice signee Mara Romero Borella, also known as “Kunoichici”, will be the first Italian female to compete in the UFC Octagon. Romero will face off with fellow newcomer Kalindra Faria as part of the five fight pay-per-view main card.
Italy isn’t exactly known for its mixed martial arts talent, but as the sport’s popularity has grown drastically internationally, it is no surprise that Italy is beginning to crank out some serious prospects. Following in the footsteps of Italian MMA legends Alessio Sakara and Ivan Serati, and more recent Italian MMA sensations Marvin Vettori and Alessio de Chirico, Borella hopes to legitimize her homeland’s spot in mixed martial arts infamy.
Her opponent, Kalindra Faria, is riding a three-fight winning streak going into this Saturday evening’s bout. Her most recent showing came in a win over Carina Damm by unanimous decision at Titan FC 41 back in September of 2016. The 31-year-old Brazilian is no easy task for anyone to take on, let alone in their promotional debut.
The Skinny
It’s always tough when analyzing fighters from small, regional promotions especially overseas. Many times, the MMA scene in their respective country is tiny, and there isn’t much talent in such small circuits. This makes it very hard to get an accurate reading on how good the competitor being analyzed is.
This was the case for Borella prior to her last fight when she competed for Invicta against former UFC veteran Milana Dudieva—a very telling bout, indeed.
Against Dudieva, Borella showed little interest in striking, with her game plan being blatantly clear. After dropping the first round, Borella rallied in the second and third rounds to pick up the split decision victory. The keys to her victory were simple, and really just came down to Borella playing to her strengths.
Borella has excellent trips in the clinch, which she has used to drag her opponents to the ground, including Dudieva. From there, Borella has a strong top game, easily slicing through her opponent’s guards. While she does look for submissions on occasion, Borella’s main focus seems to be ground and pound, which she utilizes whenever possible.
In fights on the Italian, Ukranian and Finnish MMA scenes, Borella displayed a more aggressive striking game than against Dudieva, and there is good reason for that. Borella has power and speed which can carry her against inferior opposition, but against Invicta level competition, she lacks a high level of striking technique. Often times, when her opposition decides to bite down on their mouth piece and start chucking strikes, Borella looks uncomfortable, and almost uses the good old “close your eyes and hope for the best” (granted this is a bit of a hyperbole).
One weapon that Borella has in her toolbox, but very seldom uses is her kicks. When she uses them, they work. The only problem is that she inexplicably under utilizes them. Her submission game also needs work, as she rarely going for submissions despite there being openings. In the grappling defense department, Borella also needs a bit of work, but is overall pretty solid.
An intangible working in the 31-year-old’s favor is her experience. For a female fighter to be entering the UFC with 15 professional bouts is almost unheard of. It is not more evident than in her poise and disposition in fights. Always cool, calm and collected, there aren’t many situations that seem to be able to rattle Borella in the cage.