UFC Fight Night 182 main event
This coming weekend, UFC APEX (Las Vegas, Nevada, USA) will host UFC Fight Night 182, also known as UFC on ESPN+ 40 and UFC Vegas 13. The card will feature performances by several former UFC title contenders, as well as a fight with the participation of the ex-champion of the promotion.
In the main event, two Brazilian former UFC light heavyweight contenders Santos and Teixeira will try to fight each other on the third attempt.
The UFC has already failed two attempts to fight Santos-Teixeira this fall. On September 12, the fight did not take place due to Teixeira’s positive test for COVID-19, and Santos’ coronavirus infection became the reason for postponing the fight from October 3.
Santos still can’t come back after a failed title attempt. In July 2019 at UFC 239, he lost a split decision to hegemon Jon Jones, suffering horrific injuries to his two legs in that fight, keeping him out of action for more than a year. Prior to this fight, former middleweight Santos had a 3-0 record in the light heavyweight division.
Teixeira, who turned 41 on October 28, is on a four win streak. In May, the veteran eliminated Anthony Smith by ground and pound stoppage in the 5th round. And before that, since the beginning of 2019, the Brazilian has defeated Karl Roberson, Ion Kutselaba and Nikita Krylov.
Prediction for the fight
Santos makes good use of Muay Thai and BJJ skills, being particularly dangerous in the standing position. The transition to light heavyweight did him good, and he added even more punching power. Teixeira is also dangerous on the stand with his knockout punch, but he is also a more accomplished grappler than his opponent.
The fight on the ground looks to be more beneficial for Teixeira and he will probably look for takedowns. However, Santos is more powerful and fresher, so we give him preference and bet on his early victory in the standing position.
Santos wins by knockout in the 3rd round
Main card
Thiago Santos – Glover Teixeira
Andrey Arlovsky – Tanner Boser
Raoni Barcelos – Khalid Taha
Jan Hainisch – Brendan Allen
Claudia Gadelha – Yan Xiaonan
preliminary card
Giga Chikaze – Jamie Simmons
Alexander Romanov – Marcus Rogerio de Lima
Darren Elkins – Eduardo Garagorri
Max Griffin – Ramiz Brahimay
Gustavo Lopez – Anthony Birczak
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