The UFC heads to Vegas this weekend for an exciting card in the form of UFC 250. We’ve got a very strong main event, with Amanda Nunes and Felicia Spencer battling for the Women’s Featherweight title. Assuncao vs Garbrandt and Sterling vs Sandhagen are also excellent fights that will shape the Bantamweight division. We’ll preview all 3 of these bouts, providing our best bet for each.
Amanda Nunes: The female GOAT enters this clash with an outstanding 19-4 career record. She first won the title against Miesha Tate almost 4 years ago and has since defended it 6 times. Known primarily for her outstanding power, she has 13 knockouts and 3 decision wins thus far.
Felicia Spencer: Spencer has started her MMA career in impressive fashion, sporting an 8-1 record thus far. She joined the UFC last year, earning 2 finishes and a decision loss to Cris Cyborg. Known more for her Jiu Jitsu, half of her career wins have come by way of submission.
Prediction: Spencer is a capable opponent, but Nunes is in a different class at Bantamweight. I expect her to dominate this matchup on the feet and also hold her own on the ground if need be. Given her power and track record, a win by KO looks like the best value on the board.
Raphael Assuncao: The Brazilian veteran has had a storied career to date, entering this clash with a 27-7 career record. His recent form hasn’t been ideal, suffering convincing losses to both Moraes and Sandhagen. He is a Jiu Jitsu specialist first and foremost, recording 10 submissions to just 4 knockouts thus far.
Cody Garbrandt: The former champion enters this fight with an 11-3 record, which includes 3 straight KO defeats. He hasn’t won a fight since 2016, losing twice to TJ Dillashaw and once to Pedro Munhoz in that time frame. Initially known for his impressive power, Garbrandt has 9 career knockout wins to his name.
Prediction: Assuncao by Submission/Points
This is a very tough fight to call, but I’ll take the value on the underdog here. Garbrandt is the more talented fighter, but he just hasn’t been the same since his 2016 title. Assuncao has very strong Jiu Jitsu and I can see him controlling this one on the ground. I don’t expect a knockout here, meaning the submission/points double chance market offers some extra value.
Aljamain Sterling: The Funk Master has been a mainstay at 135 pounds, recording an 18-3 career record. He has been in particularly good recent form, winning 6 of his last 7 fights against some tough opponents. Another ground specialist, he has 7 submissions and 9 decision victories to his name.
Cory Sandhagen: Sandhagen has impressed at Bantamweight of late, winning 12 of his 13 career fights. He joined the UFC in early 2018 and has gone 5-0 in the promotion, including 2 knockouts and a submission. Known for his versatility, he is very capable as a striker and holds a brown belt in Jiu Jitsu.
Prediction: Sterling to Win $1.91
This is another evenly matched fight, but I’ll give the edge to the more experienced Sterling here. He is very adept at takedown defence and possesses a very strong top game. He isn’t far away from a title shot and I expect his intense training camp to pay off with a win here.