MMA Preview – Bryce Mitchell vs Ilia Topuria at UFC 282
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BRYCE MITCHELL VS ILIA TOPURIA FACTS
When is UFC 282? Sunday 11th December, 2022 - 01:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC 282? T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 282? Click here to buy tickets for UFC 282
What channel is UFC 282 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC 282? 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!
BRYCE MITCHELL VS ILIA TOPURIA LOWDOWN
Bryce Mitchell (15-0) finally returned to action back in March after not fighting for 17 months. Back, then, he made it five UFC wins from five by earning a unanimous decision over Andre Fili (2020). He was then handed a huge fight and his biggest test in Edson Barboza. He passed it with flying colours nullifying the striking assassin with his wrestling to extend his unbeaten record.
Another prospect protecting his unbeaten record is Ilia Topuria (12-0). He has four UFC bouts in the bank and has made a lot more noise in the cage. He earnt a unanimous decision over Youssef Zalal (2020) on debut and has gone on the string together three sensational knockouts – Damon Jackson (2020), Ryan Hall (2021) and Jai Herbert (2022).
BRYCE MITCHELL VS ILIA TOPURIA PREDICTION
This is the perfect way to kick off the main card with both undefeated fighters hoping to fire themselves in amongst the top contenders of the stacked division.
Topuria moves back down to featherweight after his dusting of Herbert and after earning his reputation as a submission ace, those three clean knockouts he just reeled off have stamped ‘future title contender’ on his name.
Mitchell is a beast of a grappler himself with some beautiful submissions in the bank and his wrestling has been too much for his recent opponents which makes this very interesting as Topuria is lethal off his back.
Topuria’s dismantling of Ryan Hall who has the best jiu-jitsu in the division will give him confidence. However, when it comes to wrestling, Mitchell is a different beast. If he can take Topuria down, he will be relentless with his ground-and-pound to keep the Georgian subdued.
The grappling contest will be extremely compelling. If their skills cancel each other out forcing a stand-up battle, then you have to back Topuria. His striking and power is on a different level to Mitchell.
Mitchell is going to wrestle from the bell and we can see him controlling him long enough to snatch a decision. We can also see Topuria attacking off his back and getting back to his feet where he can land at will. This is tough to call, but we are backing the Georgian to create enough space to land the telling damage.
Prediction: Topuria via Decision - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
