The UFC women’s bantamweight hierarchy is primed for a shakeup on Saturday night, as No. 8-ranked Karol Rosa takes on No. 11 Luana Santos inside the Meta APEX at UFC Fight Night: Kape vs. Horiguchi.

Rosa (19–7, 8–4 UFC) has alternated wins and losses over her past eight fights, now coming off a unanimous decision victory over Nora Cornolle in August 2025. Santos (10–2, 5–1 UFC) has captured back-to-back wins, punctuated by a unanimous decision dub against Melissa Croden in December. 

Rosa enters as a slight -115 favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook. Santos sits at -105 on the moneyline, with the fight total set at O/U 2.5 rounds.

Rosa vs. Santos Preview

Karol Rosa (#8)

• 19–7 (8–4 UFC)
• 4–0 (T)KO
• 2–2 SUB

Karol Rosa has been on the UFC roster since 2019, yet one thing has always eluded her: a stoppage. All 12 of the Brazilian’s trips to the Octagon, win or lose, have gone the distance. 

Rosa, 31, is a Muay Thai specialist and a jiu-jitsu black belt, yet she has alternated wins and losses over her past eight bouts — struggling primarily against grapplers. She returns after nearly a year away from the cage, looking to build on her decision win over Nora Cornolle in August 2025.

Luana Santos (#11)

• 10–2 (5–1 UFC)
• 1–0 (T)KO
• 5–0 SUB

Also hailing from Brazil, Luana Santos is looking to build on the momentum from an impressive 2025 campaign and continue her ascent up the 135-pound rankings. She swiftly rebounded from her first UFC loss with back-to-back wins, closing out the year with a commanding unanimous decision victory over Melissa Croden in December. 

The 26-year-old rising contender has carved out a foothold in the division with a black belt in judo and a dangerous — and highly creative — submission game. Five of her pro victories have come by submission, including the first Americana (keylock) finish in UFC women’s history against Tainara Lisboa in May of last year.

Rosa vs. Santos Pick, Best Bet

While Rosa has an edge in Octagon experience, she’s wildly inconsistent and hasn’t recorded back-to-back wins in almost five years. Santos enters Saturday five years fresher, with far more momentum and finishing upside. In this battle between Brazilian bantamweights, Santos should come out on top.

Best Bet: Luana Santos Moneyline (-105)

Lean: Luana Santos by Submission (+750)