MMA Preview – Ange Loosa vs Rhys McKee at UFC Fight Night 226
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
ANGE LOOSA VS RHYS MCKEE FACTS
When is UFC Paris? Saturday 2nd September, 2023 - 18:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC Paris? Accor Arena, Paris (France)
Where can I get tickets for UFC Paris? Click here to buy tickets for UFC Fight Night
What channel is UFC Paris on? TNT Sports 2
Where can I stream UFC Paris? 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!
ANGE LOOSA VS RHYS MCKEE LOWDOWN
Ange Loosa (9-3) fought three times last year with mixed fortunes. He responded to his loss to Jack Della Maddalena (2021) on the Contender Series via decision by outpointing John Howard for XMMA. That earnt him his call-up, but his debut did not go to plan losing another unanimous decision, this time to Mounir Lazzez. He was then handed AJ Fletcher and was the underdog but walked away with his first UFC dub and third decision of his career.
Rhys McKee (13-4-1) returns for his second chance in the UFC. He got thrown to the wolves on his debut in the shape of a rabid Khamzat Chimaev (2020) who mauled him in three minutes. He then fought the experienced Alex Morono (2020) who earnt a unanimous decision to send him packing. Since then, he has picked up three vintage knockouts for Cage Warriors over Aleksi Mantykivi (2021), Justin Burlinson (2022) and Jim Wallhead (2023).
ANGE LOOSA VS RHYS MCKEE PREDICTION
McKee has a kinder match-up for his return, but this is still a bad stylistic match-up for him. He will boast a four-inch reach and height advantage and leverages that reach well with a piercing jab.
He finds the knockout with volume and he will look to pick Loosa apart from range. However, Loosa is defensively tight and packs more power which he will constantly threaten.
The stand-up contest will be competitive, but the difference here is Loosa’s wrestling. If he can mix in the takedowns at the right times, he can get McKee on his back and wind down the clock.
McKee is a good fighter and quality striker so there is value on him considering the odds, but on paper, this is a good match-up for Loosa.
Prediction: Loosa via Decision
Value bet: McKee to win
