MMA Preview – Brad Katona vs Jesse Butler at UFC on ESPN 57
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BRAD KATONA VS JESSE BUTLER FACTS
When is UFC on ESPN 57? Saturday 8th June, 2024 - 23:00 (UK)
Where is UFC on ESPN 57? KFC Yum! Center, Louisville, Kentucky (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC on ESPN 57? Click here to buy tickets for UFC on ESPN
What channel is UFC on ESPN 57 on? TNT Sports 1
Where can I stream UFC on ESPN 57? 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!
BRAD KATONA VS JESSE BUTLER LOWDOWN
Brad Katona (13-3) earnt his second shot in the big time and earnt it the hard way. He went 2-2 in his first UFC stint, got cut and then reeled off four wins for Brave FC. He went on to win The Ultimate Fighter for a second time by earning a unanimous decision over Cody Gibson (2023) picking up his second trophy. However, he got a taste of his own medicine at UFC 297 by Garrett Armfield (2024) who walked away with a unanimous decision.
Jesse Butler (12-5) is also coming off a loss. He made his debut stepping up to replace Ludovit Klein at UFC on ESPN 46. Veteran Jim Miller (2023) welcomed him to the octagon with a ferocious left hand putting him to sleep in just 23 seconds. That snapped a five-fight win streak and now fights to ignite a UFC career.
BRAD KATONA VS JESSE BUTLER PREDICTION
Katona is the heavy favourite. However, Butler is dangerous and will boast a nine-fight reach and four-inch height advantage. He prefers to use those attributes to wrap up chokes on the ground.
If they end up tangling on the mat, Butler will be a problem. However, Katona’s wrestling is strong enough to subdue that threat by keeping him pinned to the canvas or avoiding the takedown all together.
Katona is the better striker, and we back his technique to negate the reach and win the exchanges. Although Butler will look huge on the night, Katona should be better everywhere, and his gas tank will enable him to finish stronger and give the judges an easy decision.
Prediction: Katona via Decision
Value bet: Butler to win
