5. Sara McMann, the curious contender
After a two-year layoff and three years without a win, [autotag]Sara McMann[/autotag] did exactly what was needed to get herself back on a path of success in a clear-cut decision over a hapless Lina Lansberg.
It wasn’t the most entertaining affair, but McMann exposed her massive grappling advantage to get lopsided scorecards. She’s going to be able to do that to most inside the octagon, because her Olympic-level wrestling skills are that good.
Although the women’s bantamweight division underwent some changes in recent years, it’s not massively different from when McMann last fought prior to her break, which included the pregnancy and birth of her second child. McMann appears to have renewed focus for what, at 39, will likely be her final big title run.
Another win or two – especially if she can make it impressive – could put her right in the conversation to rematch Amanda Nunes.
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