UFC on ESPN 72: Gabriella Fernandes vs Julija Stoliarenko Preview & Prediction

Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!

A women’s flyweight clash features on the prelims at UFC on ESPN 72 as surging Brazilian Gabriella Fernandes looks to continue her momentum against submission specialist Julija Stoliarenko.

Gabriella Fernandes vs Julija Stoliarenko facts

What time are Gabriella Fernandes and Julija Stoliarenko expected to walk out?

Where is UFC on ESPN: Dolidze vs Hernandez? UFC Apex, Enterprise, USA

Where can I get tickets for UFC on ESPN: Dolidze vs Hernandez? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC on ESPN 72

What TV channel is UFC on ESPN: Dolidze vs Hernandez on? UK – TNT Sports / USA – ESPN+

Where can I stream UFC on ESPN: Dolidze vs Hernandez? UK – TNT Sports subscribers can stream the event online via the TNT Sports website and discovery+ / USA – ESPN+ & UFC Fight Pass

UFC on ESPN: Dolidze vs Hernandez main card

Roman Dolidze vs Anthony Hernandez (Middleweight)

Steve Erceg vs Ode' Osbourne (Bantamweight)

Iasmin Lucindo vs Angela Hill (Women’s Strawweight)

Andre Fili vs Christian Rodriguez (Featherweight)

Miles Johns vs Jean Matsumoto (Bantamweight)

Eryk Anders vs Christian Leroy Duncan (Middleweight)

UFC on ESPN: Dolidze vs Hernandez prelims

Julius Walker vs Raffael Cerqueira (Light Heavyweight)

Elijah Smith vs Toshiomi Kazama (Bantamweight)

Joselyne Edwards vs Priscila Cachoeira (Women’s Bantamweight)

Uros Medic vs Gilbert Urbina (Welterweight)

Gabriella Fernandes vs Julija Stoliarenko (Women’s Flyweight)

Cody Brundage vs Eric McConico (Light Heavyweight)

Gabriella Fernandes: Underdog No More
31-year-old Gabriella Fernandes enters this bout with a 10-3 record and is finding her feet in the UFC after a rocky start. She dropped her first two fights by decision to Jasmine Jasudavicius and Tereza Bledá, but has since bounced back with two strong wins. Most notably, she handed highly-touted Chinese prospect Cong Wang her first professional loss—submitting her as a massive underdog.

Fernandes is an aggressive striker who swings with real power, making her an exciting presence on the feet. She also has an underrated ground game, with solid Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and submission skills in her arsenal. She’s dangerous wherever the fight goes and is clearly improving with each outing.

Julija Stoliarenko: The Armbar Queen Hunts Again

The 32-year-old Lithuanian comes into this matchup with an 11-8 record and a tough 2-6 run in the UFC. She’s coming off a TKO loss to Luana Carolina, but made headlines in her previous bout with a shock first-round armbar win over Molly McCann in London. That victory was no fluke—Stoliarenko is known for her signature armbar finish, which accounts for both of her UFC wins and a large chunk of her overall record.

Her striking leaves plenty to be desired, and she often struggles against technically sound opponents. However, she’s always dangerous on the ground, with an armbar threat that can turn a fight on its head in seconds. Think of her as the female Paul Craig—limited on the feet, but lethal if she can drag you into her world.

Gabriella Fernandes vs Julija Stoliarenko Prediction
This should be Fernandes' fight to lose. She’s the far better striker, more dynamic overall, and has the BJJ knowledge to avoid Stoliarenko’s trademark armbar. While Julija is always live for a submission, Fernandes appears to have the tools, confidence, and momentum to stay safe and dominate.