MMA Preview – Henry Cejudo vs TJ Dillashaw at UFC Fight Night 143
AT A GLANCE
When is UFC Fight Night 143? Sunday 20th January, 2019 - 01:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC Fight Night 143? Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York
What channel is UFC Fight Night 143 on? BT Sport 2
Where can I stream UFC Fight Night 143? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website
Are tickets still available for UFC Fight Night 143? http://uk.ufc.com/event-ticket...
THE STATISTICS
THE LOWDOWN
What better way to kick off 2019 and the UFC’s new deal with ESPN than a superfight between two world-class fighters. TJ Dillashaw is looking to become the fourth simultaneous double champion as he drops down from bantamweight to meet Henry Cejudo at flyweight.
Dillashaw has evolved into one of the best fighters on the roster and after claims of being able to cut down to 125 lbs with ease many called for a superfight with one of the pound-for-pound kings Demetrious Johnson. However, at UFC 227 Henry Cejudo shocked the world by beating Mighty Mouse via a split decision to claim the belt and earn this superfight for his first title defence.
A few months ago not many people would have given Cejudo a chance against Dillashaw but after beating Mighty Mouse he has all the confidence and we don’t know how this weight cut will affect the bantamweight champion. He is shredded at 135 lbs so dropping an extra 10 lbs won’t be easy, and if he successfully makes the weight we don’t know how depleted he will be come fight night.
THE PREDICTION
This fight will depend on the weight cut of Dillashaw as his style is all about high energy, movement and a relentless output of powerful combinations. If the cut takes too much out of him his weapons will be compromised.
As for Cejudo, he never finds this cut easy but he is experienced, and if Dillashaw starts to gas out it will completely fall into the hands of the Olympic gold medallist wrestler. He surely knows he will be outclassed in the striking department so he will hope to take Dillashaw down and keep him there.
That said, Dillashaw’s wrestling is underrated and he is rarely ever taken down. If the cut goes as smoothly as he claims he will have too much speed, too much power and will be able to have his way with Cejudo on the feet. Even with a bad cut, he will have the cardio to perform at the highest level for five rounds but an energised Dillashaw will be capable of a knockout.
Winner: Dillashaw via KO/TKO
Striking and grappling stats sourced via FightMetric.
