Roosevelt Roberts vs. Ignacio Bahamondes Odds, Preview and Prediction (August 21): UFC

Odds

Key stats

Preview

A lightweight bout sees two Contender Series graduates in Roosevelt Roberts and Ignacio Bahamondes collide. Roberts was once thought to be a future contender at Lightweight, as won four of his first five UFC fights. However, it’s been tough times for the ‘Predator’. In his last two fights, he has been submitted in the opening round (The last of which was overturned to a no contest).  Meanwhile, Bahamondes is coming off a split decision defeat in his UFC debut. One in which saw him land 112 significant strikes, but also absorb 145. If he can clean up his striking defense, the UFC might have something here.

Prediction

At one point, I was on board with the notion that Roosevelt Roberts was the next big thing at Lightweight. Then came fights against wrestlers and grapplers. Fights that ultimately showed Roberts to have iffy takedown defense, low striking output and a lack thereof submission defense. Aspects of mixed martial arts that need to be fine tuned in order to be successful. Now, luckily for Roberts, Ignacio Bahamondes is not a threat to exploit any of those weaknesses. The Chilean is a striker, who has some pop, but is more known for his high output. He is also massive for the weight class, standing at 6’3.

As for a prediction, I have the underdog Bahamondes winning. I believe a combination of Roberts' low striking output and Bahamondes sheer size is going to give the ‘Predator’ fits to find success anywhere. As the fight wanes, the more Bahamondes will take over, as he’s shown the ability to strike at a relatively similar pace for three rounds. In the end, Bahamondes outpoints Roberts on the feet to win via decision.

PICK: Ignacio Bahamondes (+125)

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