MMA Preview – Jennifer Maia vs Jessica Eye at UFC 264
JENNIFER MAIA VS JESSICA EYE FACTS
When is UFC 264? Sunday 11th July, 2021 - 01:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC 264? T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 264? Click here to buy tickets for UFC 264
What channel is UFC 264 on? BT Sport Box Office (£19.99) BT Sport 2 (prelims)
Where can I stream UFC 264? 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!
JENNIFER MAIA VS JESSICA EYE LOWDOWN
Jennifer Maia (18-7-1) seemed to emerge as a title contender out of nowhere. Maybe it is more of a reflection of how shallow the division is as she earnt a title shot coming off a one-fight win streak. Like many, she lost a unanimous decision to Katlyn Chookagian but then submitted Joanne Calderwood to earn a date with the Queen. She was inevitably trounced however, she took Valentina Shevchenko to a decision and even won a round with her wrestling to establish herself as a top ranked flyweight.
Jessica Eye (15-8(1)) has been slugging it out in the UFC for over seven years now and is still giving top fighters a run for their money. She earnt her title shot back in 2019 after a slightly more impressive three-fight win streak earning decisions over Kalindra Faria (split), Jessica Rose-Clark (unanimous) and Katlyn Chookagian (unanimous). However, she did not do as well as Maia getting absolutely obliterated with a head kick. She responded with an impressive unanimous decision over Viviane Araujo but is coming off two unanimous decision losses to Cynthia Calvillo and Joanne Calderwood.
JENNIFER MAIA VS JESSICA EYE PREDICTION
Eye’s problem has been her consistency and if she turns up on form, she will give Maia a very tough night displaying her experience and boxing. She has two inches in height and reach over Maia, but the Brazilian is also a technically sound boxer, so we should see some exciting exchanges.
Maia has great movement and will punish Eye with hooks if she does not move her head. However, Maia’s easiest route to victory is getting Eye on her back. Although she does not attempt many takedowns and only has 56% success, she is a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and managed to subdue Shevchenko for the best part of a round who is one of the best grapplers in women’s MMA.
If the whole fight remains on the feet, it will be close but as soon as they tangle up, Maia will take the fight away from Eye and may even pull off another submission.
Prediction: Maia via Decision
