Pallas Athena Women's Fighting Championship is gearing up for its second event as Pallas Athena WFC 2 takes place tomorrow evening in Calgary, Alta. Following in the footsteps of their debut, this lineup features some of the brightest rising talents in women's MMA. Below, find my picks for every bout on the card.
Melissa Croden (3-1) vs. Cornelia Holm (5-4): PRO Women's Bantamweight Title Bout**
This matchup represents a significant jump in quality for Croden, who faces a far more seasoned opponent in Holm compared to her previous foes. A standout striker in the women's bantamweight ranks, Croden's distance management is likely to frustrate Holm throughout this contest.
Prediction: Croden wins via decision.
Anastasia Nikolakakos (3-0) vs. Elisandra Ferreira (4-1): PRO Women's Atomweight Title Bout** NIKOLAKAKOS PREVIEW, FERREIRA PREVIEW
Nikolakakos has remained undefeated across both her pro and amateur MMA campaigns. My only hesitation before this fight stems from her long layoff—she hasn't stepped into the cage since 2018. That said, I believe she'll shake off the rust and secure the victory.
Prediction: Nikolakakos wins via TKO.
Andy Nguyen (6-11) vs. Larissa Carvalho (3-1): PRO Women's Strawweight
Nguyen brings a wealth of experience to this bout, making her the toughest challenge Carvalho has faced so far. Stand-up exchanges could produce a tight, back-and-forth affair, but if Carvalho opts to take the fight to the mat, I expect her to finish the contest.
Prediction: Carvalho wins via submission.
Jackie Maclean (2-1) vs. Weronika Eszer (0-1): PRO Women's Flyweight
Despite her lone professional loss, Eszer boasts an impressive 13-1 amateur record that deserves serious consideration. On the other side, Maclean hails from Shaved Bears MMA—one of Canada's premier training camps—and brings a never-say-die attitude. Expect a tightly contested battle.
Prediction: Maclean wins via decision.
Pavla Kladivova (1-0) vs. Lexi Rook (0-0): PRO Women's Bantamweight
Rook brings an impressive amateur resume to the table, and that sort of grassroots development is something I really respect in rising talent—especially seeing her compete on the international IMMAF circuit. I'm backing her to take the victory in her pro debut tonight.
Prediction: Rook wins via decision.
Maria Garcia (2-2) vs. Louise Hiller (0-0): PRO Women's Bantamweight
Garcia's got a clear experience advantage in this matchup, both in terms of overall fight count and having taken the fight to larger platforms like Invicta FC. That kind of pedigree should make for a challenging first outing for Hiller.
Prediction: Garcia wins via decision.
Allyse Cotterill (0-0) vs. Ako Murata (0-1): AMATEUR Women's 110 pounds
Picking a winner is tricky when one competitor is stepping into the cage for the very first time, as Cotterill is. I haven't had the chance to evaluate her technique yet, but her significant size and reach edge tip the scales in her favor.
Prediction: Cotterill wins via decision.
Robyn Dunne (0-1) vs. Kerensky Fernandes (1-0): AMATEUR Women's Strawweight
Fernandes trains out of Great Britain Top Team, which speaks well of her corner, and that's largely what I know about her. Dunne is an absolute warrior, but I have to think Fernandes' skill set proves too difficult for her tonight.
Prediction: Fernandes wins via decision.
Ami Lyczewski (1-1) vs. Ciara McRae (0-0): AMATEUR Women's Strawweight
Another bout featuring a fighter's amateur debut—McRae is in that spot here. Without much to work with on McRae, I have to give Lyczewski the nod based on her proven comfort inside the cage from previous outings.
Prediction: Lyczewski wins via decision.
