UFC Fight Night 177 – Tips & Preview

UFC Fight Night 177 – Tips & Preview

The UFC heads back to the APEX this weekend for another instalment of the Fight Night series. Our main event sees an intriguing matchup at Women’s Flyweight between Jessica Eye and Cynthia Calvillo. Karl Roberson and Marvin Vettori do battle in the Co-Main, a fight which could help shape the Middleweight division. We’ll break down both of these fights, providing our best bet in the process.

Jessica Eye vs Cynthia Calvillo, Flyweight, Main Event
Calvillo to Win

Jessica Eye: The American veteran enters this clash with a 15-7-1 career record. She made her return to Flyweight in early 2018, having gone 4-1 since. Her lone defeat was for the title mid last year, where she was knocked out by Shevchenko. Primarily known as a striker, she has 11 decisions and 3 knockout wins to her name.

Cynthia Calvillo: Calvillo enters this fight in impressive form, sporting a career record of 8-1-1. She is undefeated in her last 3 fights, including a majority draw against Rodriguez last time out. Known for her versatility, she has 3 decisions, 3 submissions, and 2 knockouts thus far. She had an issue making weight at Strawweight, which I don’t expect to be an issue here.

Prediction: Calvillo to Win

This is a tough fight to call, but I think Calvillo has enough stylistic advantages to claim the win here. She can comfortably fill 125 lbs, hold her own during striking, and could control this fight from the ground. She also has excellent cardio, which should prove to be a great asset over a 5-round bout.

Karl Roberson vs Marvin Vettori, Middleweight, Co-Main
Vettori to Win

Karl Roberson: Roberson enters this contest with a career record of 9-2. He has won 3 of his last 4 fights, drifting between Middleweight and Light Heavyweight. He is known for his strong Jiu Jitsu, having recorded 4 submission victories thus far.

Marvin Vettori: Vettori enters this contest with a 14-4-1 career record. He is 4-2-1 since joining the UFC in 2016, earning Unanimous Decision wins in his last 2. He is also primarily a ground game expert, recording 8 submissions and 4 decisions thus far.

Prediction: Vettori to Win

He is a relatively heavy favourite, but I think the Italian has a strong matchup advantage here. He is essentially a better version of the same fighter archetype and I think his advanced ground game should hold him in good stead. His striking ability has also improved of late, making him the more well-rounded of these two fighters. Any win method is in play here, making the straight up win the safest bet.