MMA Preview – Joanne Wood vs Luana Carolina at UFC 286
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JOANNE WOOD VS LUANA CAROLINA FACTS
When is UFC 286? Saturday 18th March, 2023 - 19:00 (Prelims) 21:00 (PPV - £19.95)
Where is UFC 286? The O2 Arena, London (UK)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 286? Click here to buy tickets for UFC 286
What channel is UFC 286 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC 286? 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!
JOANNE WOOD VS LUANA CAROLINA LOWDOWN
It is fair to say we know where Joanne Wood’s (15-8) ceiling is after 15 fights in the UFC. She is 1-4 in her last five with all those losses coming to former title challengers. She got submitted by Jennifer Maia (2020) before outpointing Jessica Eye (2021) but is coming off a split decision loss to Lauren Murphy (2021) and submissions to Taila Santos (2021) and Alexa Grasso (2022) who just wrapped up another rear-naked choke on Valentina Shevchenko to become the new flyweight champion.
She receives a welcome step-down in competition in Luana Carolina (8-3) She is coming off the most devastating loss of her career getting flatlined by a Molly McCann (2022) spinning back elbow. That crushed the momentum of two decision wins over Poliana Botelho (2021) and Lupita Godinez (2021) and now sits on a UFC record of 3-2.
JOANNE WOOD VS LUANA CAROLINA PREDICTION
Carolina will boast a four-inch reach advantage which Wood will try and negate by clinching up and unleashing her elbows and knees. She has excellent Muay Thai and although she does not pack much knockout power, her technique is fluid and we expect her to mix in some grappling here.
Carolina will try and maintain the distance and strike from range. She has good long kicks and if this stays on the feet, it will be a battle of distance control. This is destined to be a close fight that will go to the bell. In that case, always back the underdog, but we feel Wood’s clinch control may just sway two judges at least.
Prediction: Wood via Decision - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
Value bet: Carolina via Decision
