MMA Preview – Brad Tavares vs Antonio Carlos Junior at UFC 257
BRAD TAVARES VS ANTONIO CARLOS JUNIOR FACTS
When is UFC 257? Sunday 24th January, 2021 - 01:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC 257? Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi (UAE)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 257? No tickets are available as this event will take place with a limited number of spectators
What channel is UFC 257 on? BT Sport 1 (prelims) BT Sport Box Office (£19.95)
Where can I stream UFC 257? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website and app
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 TAVARES VS ANTONIO CARLOS JUNIOR LOWDOWN
Brad Tavares (17-6) flies to Fight Island in search for his first win since April 2018. Then, he put on a great performance, knocking out Krzysztof Jotko in the third round. However, he was then rewarded with fights against Israel Adesanya losing a unanimous decision (2018) and then he got obliterated by an Edmen Shahbazyan head kick (2019).
He was originally scheduled to fight Antonio Carlos Junior (10-4(1)) in March last year but had to pull out with an ACL injury. Carlos Junior has waited patiently after getting injured himself and who’s last win was also in April 2018. He is also coming off two losses which were both decisions in 2019, firstly to Ian Heinisch and then Uriah Hall.
BRAD TAVARES VS ANTONIO CARLOS JUNIOR PREDICTION
Carlos Junior is one of the best jiu-jitsu practitioners in the UFC, but we have not seen that prowess for a while. He struggled to control Heinisch and Hall and worryingly, Tavares also has good takedown defence and has never been submitted in his pro career.
If Carlos Junior can take Tavares down easily or early, a submission will be there for him but only if he has enough time to work. Tavares has the experience to prevent the Brazilian dictating where the fight goes. He may get taken down, but he will not let Carlos Junior control him and can earn the decision by winning the stand-up.
Prediction: Tavares via Decision
