MMA Preview – Israel Bonfim vs Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC on ESPN 48
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ISRAEL BONFIM VS BENOIT SAINT-DENIS FACTS
When is UFC on ESPN 48? Saturday 1st July, 2023 - 22:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC on ESPN 48? UFC APEX, Enterprise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC on ESPN 48? Click here to buy tickets for UFC Fight Night
What channel is UFC on ESPN 48 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC on ESPN 48? 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!
ISRAEL BONFIM VS BENOIT SAINT-DENIS LOWDOWN
Israel Bonfim (19-3) steps in for Vinc Pichel and why not after decapitating Terence McKinney with a flying knee on his debut. That was back in January and fans have been desperate to see him return and build on his formidable 13-fight win streak which includes five knockouts and three submissions.
Benoit Saint-Denis (10-1) has a different and more dangerous opponent, but he is just happy to fight. He has had two bouts pull through now since his last appearance which was a TKO over Gabriel Miranda (2022) earning him a ‘Performance of the Night’. That came after a submission over Niklas Stolze (2022) to make up for the three-round beating he took on debut although he did step up to welterweight to fight Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos (2021).
ISRAEL BONFIM VS BENOIT SAINT-DENIS PREDICTION
Saint-Denis has everything he needs to climb the rankings however this is a very tough match-up for him. Bonfim is destined for the top of the rankings himself and is incredibly dangerous wherever the fight goes.
Saint-Denis is a quality striker and very strong grappler. Bonfim is also well-rounded and although he is not as technical as the Frenchman, he packs more power and is very aggressive.
This has the makings of a war especially considering how durable Saint-Denis is. The worry for him is that he relies on his chin too much and he cannot afford to eat many shots from the Brazilian that will come from all angles.
We are backing Bonfim to sway the judges with his output and damage but there is serious value on Saint-Denis considering the odds.
Prediction: Bonfim via Decision
Value bet: Saint-Denis to win
