MMA Preview – Jessica Penne vs Tabatha Ricci at UFC Vegas 61
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
JESSICA PENNE VS TABATHA RICCI FACTS
When is UFC Fight Night 211? Saturday 1st October, 2022 - 22:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC Fight Night 211? UFC APEX, Enterprise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC Fight Night 211? Click here to buy tickets for UFC Fight Night
What channel is UFC Fight Night 211 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC Fight Night 211? 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!
JESSICA PENNE VS TABATHA RICCI LOWDOWN
Jessica Penne (14-6) is making up for lost time making her fourth appearance in just over a year. She had a nightmare of injuries, illnesses and disputed bans that kept her out for four years. She returned in April last year and looked great considering earning a split decision over Loopy Godinez and submitting Karolina Kowalkiewicz. However, Emily Ducote burst the comeback bubble back in July with a classy unanimous decision.
Tabatha Ricci (7-1) is back on track after receiving a baptism of fire for a UFC debut. She arrived to the UFC sitting on a 5-0 record but stepped up to flyweight on short notice to take on the striking powerhouse Manon Fiorot (2021). She got TKO’d in the second round but has since picked up unanimous decisions over Maria Oliviera (2021) and Polyana Viana (2022) to announce herself in the strawweight division.
JESSICA PENNE VS TABATHA RICCI PREDICTION
These two are very skilled grapplers, but Penne has the edge when it comes to experience and will boast a significant six-inch reach and four-inch height advantage. That said, Penne is 39 years old now and Ricci is 27 with her whole career in front of her.
If this turns into a grappling contest, we will be in for a treat. However, if their skills cancel each other out forcing a stand-up battle, there will be no snacks.
Ricci will also have the confidence of taking Penne down and keeping her there. She has brilliant judo and solid wrestling, so we expect her to get Penne down to the canvas. As long as she respects Penne’s jiu-jitsu, she should be able to assume enough top control to convince the judges.
This is bound to be a close decision and we are backing Ricci with the value on Penne as the underdog.
Prediction: Ricci via Decision - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
Value Bet: Penne via Decision
