MMA Preview – Braxton Smith vs Parker Porter at UFC 288
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BRAXTON SMITH VS PARKER PORTER FACTS
When is UFC 288? Sunday 7th May, 2023 - 01:00 (UK)
Where is UFC 288? Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 288? Click here to buy tickets for UFC 288
What channel is UFC 288 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC 288? 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!
BRAXTON SMITH VS PARKER PORTER LOWDOWN
Braxton Smith (5-1) makes his UFC debut with one thing on his mind and that is destruction. All six of his fights have ended in a first-round knockout. The first was all the way back in 2014 when he met Chase Sherman who also made his pro debut with the UFC vet coming out on top. Smith returned to the game eight years later in May last year and has proceeded to rack up five knockouts on the local scene.
He is welcomed by Parker Porter (12-8) who is 3-3 in the UFC. After earning three unanimous decisions over Josh Parisian (2020), Chase Sherman (2021) and Alan Baudot (2022) he got swept away in two first-round finishes. Firstly, he got submitted by Jailton Almeida (2022) and the brutally knocked out in the first round by Justin Tafa back in January.
BRAXTON SMITH VS PARKER PORTER PREDICTION
Smith is completely unproven at this level, however there is no doubting his knockout power. He hits like a truck and has ferocious hand speed, so if he connects it will be lights out.
The game plan will be clear for Porter who just needs to get out of the first round. Expect Smith to burst out of the gate like a bull and after a few wild exchanges, he will begin to fade.
While Smith is the underdog, he is a great shout for a first-round knockout. However, we are backing the more well-rounded Porter to survive the first round and drain the gas tank of Smith by clinching up and wrestling him up against the cage.
We can see a decision or late Porter finish depending on how fatigued Smith gets.
Prediction: Porter via Decision - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
Value bet: Smith via KO/TKO
