MMA Preview – Brad Riddell vs Renato Moicano at UFC 281
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BRAD RIDDELL VS RENATO MOICANO FACTS
When is UFC 281? Sunday 13th November, 2022 - 01:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC 281? Madison Square Garden, New York, (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 281? Click here to buy tickets for UFC 281
What channel is UFC 281 on? BT Sport 2
Where can I stream UFC 281? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website
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 RIDDELL VS RENATO MOICANO LOWDOWN
Brad Riddell (10-3) has only had tough fights in the octagon so far and was steaming his way up the rankings after his first four. He earnt decisions over Jamie Mullarkey (2019), Magomed Mustafaev (2020), Alex da Silva Coelho (2020) and Drew Dober (2021). He then crossed paths with fellow striking ace Rafael Fiziev (2021) who snapped the seven-fight win streak in spectacular fashion with a spinning wheel kick in the third round. Riddell was then handed another killer in the shape of the long framed Jalin Turner (2022) who rocked him early and pounded on a guillotine.
Renato Moicano (16-5-1) is also coming off a dominant loss but took five rounds of punishment. He deserves a lot of credit for taking the fight in the first place stepping up on short notice to take on Rafael dos Anjos. He somehow made it to the bell and now hopes to pick up that form leading into the bout where he submitted Jai Herbert (2021) and Alexander Hernandez (2022).
BRAD RIDDELL VS RENATO MOICANO PREDICTION
This fight is too good to be on the prelims. The stand-up battle will be a spectacle of aggressive and technical Muay Thai. Moicano is four inches taller but will only boast an inch in reach.
Riddell has lost both of his recent fights on the feet and he absorbs way more damage than he should, but we still back him to win the exchanges on the feet. Where Moicano has a clear advantage is in the grappling realm.
Riddell is a good wrestler with excellent takedown defence, but Moicano is tricky. He is not a traditional wrestler and creates scrambles where he pounces on the back at any opportunity. The more he grapples, the more chance he has in subduing the Kiwi and even finding a submission.
The more space there is, the more you have to favour Riddell who can sway the judges with his power and strikes landed. However, if the Brazilian can close Riddell off at the fence, clinch up and mix in his striking, he can shut the Kiwi down and create an opportunity to hop on the back.
We are backing Moicano to deliver his full arsenal to earn the win, but there is value on Riddell.
Prediction: Moicano via Submission - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
Value Bet: Riddell via Decision
