MMA Preview – Jamie Pickett vs Laureano Staropoli at UFC Fight Night 196
JAMIE PICKETT VS LAUREANO STAROPOLI FACTS
When is UFC Fight Night 196? Saturday 23rd October, 2021 -19:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC Fight Night 196? UFC APEX, Enterprise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC Fight Night 196? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC events
What channel is UFC Fight Night 196 on? BT Sport 2
Where can I stream UFC Fight Night 196? 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!
JAMIE PICKETT VS LAUREANO STAROPOLI LOWDOWN
Jamie Pickett (11-6) is still searching for his first UFC win. He got the call-up after a brilliant TKO over Jhonoven Pati on the Contender Series in August last year. He was awarded with a debut against the unit that is Tafon Nchukwi four months later and lost a unanimous decision. He then had a great match-up in Jordan Wright on the UFC 262 card and everyone was expecting a knockout but unfortunately, he fell on the wrong side of one eating several elbows in the process.
Laureano Staropoli (9-4) had a fair bit of hype behind him especially in South America after his first two UFC fights. He was sitting on a 9-1 record and extended it with two classy unanimous decisions over Hector Aldana and Thiago Alves. He beat Alves in 2019 and he has not won since but he has had some very tough match-ups. He lost unanimous decisions to Muslim Salikhov, Tim Means and Roman Dolidze where he took the fight on short notice.
JAMIE PICKETT VS LAUREANO STAROPOLI PREDICTION
This is a much kinder match-up for Staropoli than his previous fights. It is interesting to see him stay at middleweight after his short notice fight with Dolidze although he did struggle to make the 170 lb mark at welterweight.
They are virtually the same height, but Pickett will have a significant nine-inch reach advantage. He can certainly make that reach count as he is a dangerous striker although Staropoli will have to get sloppy.
The Argentinian is technically a better on the feet, but he will have to come with a game plan. He has to assume Pickett will strike from range and mix in takedowns. It is just a question of whether Pickett is good enough to do that.
Pickett has the range and wrestling advantage, but we are backing Staropoli’s skill on the feet to outland and do enough damage to sway the judges and pick up a much-needed win.
Prediction: Staropoli via Decision - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
