MMA Preview – Brad Tavares vs Bruno Silva at UFC Fight Night 222
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BRAD TAVARES VS BRUNO SILVA FACTS
When is UFC Fight Night 222? Saturday 22nd April, 2023 - 22:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC Fight Night 222? UFC APEX, Enterprise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC Fight Night 222? Click here to buy tickets for UFC Fight Night
What channel is UFC Fight Night 222 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC Fight Night 222? 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 TAVARES VS BRUNO SILVA LOWDOWN
The old stalwart Brad Tavares (19-7) makes the walk for his 22nd UFC fight. That is not mind blowing considering he has been in the UFC for 13 years, but he has shared the octagon with some of the very best. He fought twice in 2021 earning hard-fought decisions over Antonio Carlos Junior and Omari Akhmedov but then ran into the surging Dricus du Plessis who earnt a unanimous decision.
Bruno Silva (22-8) has been very active since his UFC debut in 2021 gracing the octagon five times. He made quite the entrance smoking Wellington Turman and followed that up with two ‘Performance of the Night’ bonuses knocking out Andrew Sanchez and Jordan Wright. However, 2022 was not as fruitful losing a unanimous decision to Alex Pereira and getting caught in Gerald Meerschaert’s guillotine.
BRAD TAVARES VS BRUNO SILVA PREDICTION
Silva’s loss to Pereira will continue to age well as it is an achievement not getting knocked out by the former champ. That said, he needs to learn how to leverage his strengths better which is jiu-jitsu. The black belt has zero subs in the win column.
He is an extremely dangerous striker which has served him well, but he needs to threaten with his grappling. At the least, it will make his striking even more dangerous. That said Taveres’ takedown defence is exceptional and the likes of Carlos Junior and Akhmedov had no answer so we expect the majority of this to remain on the feet.
This will favour Taveres as he durable, has better cardio and is the more technical striker. We back him to come out on top in a bruising battle but considering the odds and Silva’s power, he is the smart pick.
Prediction: Tavares via Decision - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
Value bet: Silva to win
