MMA is a sport based on opportunity and split second decision making. The breakdowns that we try to focus on here will be looking at stylistic differences between fighters and how they will impact the card. Although the breakdowns won't usually be long, they'll have info on fighter strengths and weaknesses and how we expect them to be exploited. Towards the end of the article there will be the five best bets on the slate for you to tail!
Super fun card to gamble some money on! We have 2 championship fights and a dude with pink hair. Enjoy the card and happy 4th!
All my information is from https://fightodds.io/ and https://paydirtdfs.com/mma-ranks-and-leverage-model/
Jessica-Rose Clark (Striker/Grappler) vs Julija Stoliarenko (Grappler)
This is a tough fight to start the night for Clark. Clark is very prone to the armbar and that’s exactly how Julija finishes fights. Taking the dog to start the night.
Stoliarenko +130
Jessica Eye (Striker) vs Maycee Barber (Striker)
This should be a fun striking fight! I think Maycee tries to mix in some wrestling to gain some control time and win some rounds. If this is just a kickboxing match, Eye wins this every time. It will be interesting to see how it plays out.
Uriah Hall (Striker) vs Andre Muniz (Grappler)
Andre is an absolute menace at grappling and is so damn strong. I’d be surprised if this lasted long at all, but I also wouldn’t be surprised if Uriah knocked him out. I think Andre wins it easy though.
Brad Tavares (Striker) vs Dricus Du Plessis (Striker/Wrestler)
I think this fight comes down to who has the better chin. Du Plessis definitely hits harder, but Brad is no walk through. Brad's way of winning also involves a very slow paced fight. If he can do this by gaining some control and keeping Du Plessis from landing big shots, he’ll get the victory.
Ian Garry (Striker) vs Gabriel Green (Striker/Grappler)
This is supposed to be a set up fight for Garry and for him to win it. The problem is Green can give Garry some major issues. If Garry cannot KO Green, then he has all the tools to make the young man suffer his first loss. Will be very interesting to see how it plays out.
Donald Cerrone (Well Rounded) vs Jim Miller (Well Rounded)
Different opponent for Cowboy, but should be the same result. Jim has looked pretty good recently and Cowboy has looked like he has a foot out the door. I like Big Jim here.
Miller -180
Jalin Turner (Striker) vs Brad Riddell (Striker)
This is a really fun fight and a nice step up for Turner. He is so big and powerful for 155 pounds that he already starts at an advantage. Riddell is really good, but I think Turner has too many tools in the bag to lose this.
Turner -150
Sean O'Malley (Striker) vs Pedro Munhoz (Striker/Grappler)
Sean has never faced someone like Pedro yet. A guy that can handle all the heat and keep coming at you. Pedro is going to attack the legs of Sean and cause some big problems. I just think that this line is too good not to bet on it. Fun fight to start the main card.
Munhoz +240
Robbie Lawler (Striker) vs Bryan Barberena (Striker/Grappler)
I hate that Robbie just fell off a cliff. He has never really looked the same since losing to Tyron. I don’t think this is as crazy of a fight as people say it is. I think there is some grappling involved and it goes to the judges.
Barberena -105
Sean Strickland (Striker/Grappler) vs Alex Pereira (Striker)
This is an MMA fight and that’s exactly what Sean needs to do. He needs to make it an MMA fight and mix things up. If he doesn’t do that, he will get picked apart by Pereira and catch the L. This is also a massive step up in competition for Pereira and I don’t know if he is ready for this level in the UFC yet.
Strickland -115
Alex Volkanovski (Well Rounded) vs Max Holloway (Striker)
This fight is so damn hard to predict. Especially after the last fight. Max won that fight and many people's cards, just not the judges. The problem is Volk has really looked like he has improved massively since that second fight. I have no idea how this plays out, but I do know it’s going to be close and I have to lean with my bias…… BLESSED ERA.
Holloway +155
Israel Adesanya (Striker) vs Jared Cannonier (Striker)
Unpopular opinion, but the last fight is my main event. I think this fight stinks… big time. Izzy is a counter striker and Jared doesn’t throw much at all. I really could see this being booed after the last fight. With that being said, Izzy is too hard to hit and will piece Cannonier apart.