MMA Preview – Amanda Lemos vs Mackenzie Dern at UFC 298

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AMANDA LEMOS VS MACKENZIE DERN FACTS

When is UFC 298? Sunday 18th February, 2024 - 01:00 (UK)

Where is UFC 298? Honda Center, Anaheim, California (US)

Where can I get tickets for UFC 298? Click here to buy tickets for UFC 298

What channel is UFC 298 on? TNT Sports 2

Where can I stream UFC 298? TNT Sports subscribers can stream the fight online via the TNT Sports website and Discovery+

For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!

AMANDA LEMOS VS MACKENZIE DERN LOWDOWN

Amanda Lemos (13-3-1) goes back to the drawing board once again after missing out on the strawweight title. She was destined for a title shot until she got stuck in Jessica Andrade’s (2022) triangle which snapped an impressive five-fight win streak. However, she responded by submitting Michelle Waterson (2022) and knocking out Marina Rodriguez (2022). That earnt her a title shot against Weili Zhang (2023) at UFC 292, but she came up short in a unanimous decision.

She was preparing for Tatiana Suarez who has had to pull out yet again. Fortunately, for Lemos, she is still on the card and Suarez has been replaced by another elite grappler in Mackenzie Dern (13-4). She is also coming off a loss which was a humbling knockout to Andrade to slump to 2-3 in her last five.

AMANDA LEMOS VS MACKENZIE DERN PREDICTION

This is a very different opponent for Lemos who was preparing for a beast of a wrestler. Dern’s wrestling does not compare, but she is the best female jiu-jitsu practitioner on the roster, so Lemos will have to adapt and may have more confidence in this match-up.

Dern’s only advantage here is her jiu-jitsu. Lemos is in a different league in the striking realm, so this will come down to her takedown defence. It looked poor against Zhang who took her down six times.

However, Dern is not Zhang and we expect Lemos to defend the majority of takedowns and pick Dern apart on the feet. Dern will not quit and keep pursuing the takedown which will keep her in the fight, but as soon as she gives up space, Lemos will aim bombs at the chin.

Prediction: Lemos via KO/TKO