MMA Preview – Jonathan Pearce vs Christian Rodriguez at UFC Fight Night 201
JONATHAN PEARCE VS CHRISTIAN RODRIGUEZ FACTS
When is UFC Fight Night 201? Saturday 19th February, 2022 - 22:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC Fight Night 201? UFC APEX, Enterprise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC Fight Night 201? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC events
What channel is UFC Fight Night 201 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC Fight Night 201? 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!
JONATHAN PEARCE VS CHRISTIAN RODRIGUEZ LOWDOWN
Jonathan Pearce (11-4) stormed his way into the UFC off the back of five finishes including his TKO over Jacob Rosales (2019) on the Contender Series. He was welcomed by the stalwart Joe Lauzon (2019) and was even the favourite only to fall victim to the veterans first knockout in over three years. However, he then dropped back down to featherweight and got back to his old finishing ways by knocking out Kai Kamaka (2020) and submitting Omar Morales (2021).
He was originally scheduled to fight Austin Lingo, but another drop-out has opened the door for Christian Rodriquez (7-0) to make his debut. He protects an unblemished record and has finished all but one of his fights. That was a unanimous decision on the Contender Series against Reyes Cortez Jr back in October. He did make the cut as he missed weight but he kept active and submitted Ryan MacIntosh a month ago for the NAFC promotion and now steps into the big time.
JONATHAN PEARCE VS CHRISTIAN RODRIGUEZ PREDICTION
Pearce is understandably the favourite, but Rodriguez is unbeaten for a reason and has a lot of potential. The former bantamweight will be giving up five inches in height but will have the same reach as Pearce and he is very strong and explosive.
He fights out of Roufusport and is a brilliant striker with submissions under the belt. He will be a lot quicker than Pearce and we can see him tagging him early so there is value on him as the underdog.
However, Pearce’s strength is his wrestling and size for the division. He will be a lot bigger and heavier than Rodriguez and we expect him to wear him down with his wrestling to earn a decision.
Prediction: Pearce via Decision - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
Value Bet: Rodriguez to win
