MMA Preview – Charles Jourdain vs Sean Woodson at UFC 297
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CHARLES JOURDAIN VS SEAN WOODSON FACTS
When is UFC 297? Sunday 21st January, 2023 - 01:00 (UK)
Where is UFC 297? Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Ontario (Canada)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 297? Click here to buy tickets for UFC 297
What channel is UFC 297 on? TNT Sports 1
Where can I stream UFC 297? TNT Sports subscribers can stream the fight online via the TNT Sports website and Discovery+
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!
CHARLES JOURDAIN VS SEAN WOODSON LOWDOWN
2023 was a good year for Charles Jourdain (15-6-1). He was coming off two tight decision losses to Shane Burgos and Nathaniel Wood in 2022. He returned at UFC 288 to meet Kron Gracie and made him look like an amateur on the way to a unanimous decision. He then met the higher calibre Ricardo Ramos and reeled off a ‘Performance of the Night’ by submitting the Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt in the first round.
Sean Woodson (10-1-1) has not been as active, but he heads to Toronto in fine fettle going unbeaten in his last four. He bounced back from his submission loss to Julian Erosa (2020) by outpointing Youssef Zalal (2021) and TKOing Collin Anglin (2021). He then fought to a draw with Luis Saldana (2022) and is coming off a classy unanimous decision over Dennis Buzukja back in August.
CHARLES JOURDAIN VS SEAN WOODSON PREDICTION
Jourdain will have all the fans behind him, not only because he is Canadian, but he is one of the most exciting fighters in the featherweight division. He is an electric and dynamic striker with slick jiu-jitsu.
He will have that in the back pocket as Woodson is a brilliant striker who uses his range well. He will boast a nine-inch reach advantage and will look to circle and pepper Jourdain from a distance.
We would not be surprised if we see some wrestling from Woodson. Jourdain has mediocre takedown defence, and if he gets clipped, we can see him shooting in.
However, Jourdain has better experience and the skill set to win this on the feet and on the ground. If Woodson becomes a bigger underdog, he is worth a punt, but we are backing the home favourite here.
Prediction: Jourdain via Decision
