AT A GLANCE
When is UFC Fight Night 145? Saturday 23rd February, 2019 - 17:30 start (UK)
Where is UFC Fight Night 145? O2 Arena, Prague, Czech Republic
What channel is UFC Fight Night 145 on? BT Sport 2
Where can I stream UFC Fight Night 145? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website
For viewers in the United States, the game will be shown live and you can take advantage of a free trial with ESPN+ and subscribe now by clicking here!
Are tickets still available for UFC Fight Night 145? http://uk.ufc.com/event-ticket...
THE STATISTICS
THE LOWDOWN
UFC veteran, Gian Villante travels to the Czech Republic to take on the young prodigy from Poland – Michal Oleksiejczuk – in hope of handing him his first loss in 11 fights.
Oleksiejczuk is only 23 years old and looks a real prospect in the light heavyweight division. He has flown in under the radar but Polish fans know exactly who he is and after serving a his one-year ban for a failed drugs test, he is desperate to prove he doesn’t need any assistance in putting his opponents away.
An odd fight for Villante to take – overseas and against a lion with little to gain but that’s why fans appreciate the New Yorker. He is coming off a win against Ed Herman but despite his explosiveness and power, he has lost his knack of putting on exciting fights with his last four going to limp split decisions.
THE PREDICTION
As we have seen in his last few fights, Villante is capable of causing a lot of damage on the feet but has been too hesitant and this will cost him against Oleksiejczuk. If Villante waits to counter-strike, he will risk taking too much damage.
Oleksiejczuk is also powerful and has the speed to give Villante real issues. The American is very durable but Oleksiejczuk has the youth and motivation of fighting in Europe with the fans behind him. As long as the former TFL light heavyweight champion keeps his hands up and respects the power of Villante, he should get the job done.
Winner: Oleksiejczuk via Decision
Striking and grappling stats sourced via FightMetric.
