MMA Preview – Jordan Wright vs Zac Pauga at UFC Vegas 69
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JORDAN WRIGHT VS ZAC PAUGA FACTS
When is UFC Fight Night 219? Saturday 18th February, 2023 - 22:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC Fight Night 219? UFC APEX, Enterprise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC Fight Night 219? Click here to buy tickets for UFC Fight Night
What channel is UFC Fight Night 219 on? BT Sport 2
Where can I stream UFC Fight Night 219? 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!
JORDAN WRIGHT VS ZAC PAUGA LOWDOWN
Jordan Wright (12-4(1)) the entertainer is still yet to hear a bell with all of his fights ending in a finish however, he has fallen on the wrong side of them in four of his last five fights. He knocked out Jamie Pickett (2021) after Joaquin Buckley (2020) cleaned his clocked but now he is coming off a knockout to Bruno Silva (2021), submission (2022) to Marc-Andre Barriault (2022) and another knockout to Dusko Todorovic (2022).
Zac Pauga (5-1) returns for his second showing in the UFC after falling short in The Ultimate Fighter 30 heavyweight finale. He got there by earning a unanimous decision over Nyle Bartling and a TKO over Jordan Heiderman. That set up a final with Mohammad Usman at UFC on ESPN 40. Unfortunately, it could not have gone much worse for Pauga getting flatlined with a flick of the left hand in the second round.
JORDAN WRIGHT VS ZAC PAUGA PREDICTION
These two have a similar frame despite Pauga moving down a weight class and Wright moving up. Pauga will naturally be heavier on the night which could pay dividends in the striking exchanges.
They are both very dangerous on the feet but if they start exchanging blow for blow, we expect Wright to drop first especially as he likes to defend punches with his mouth.
Pauga impressed on The Ultimate Fighter and looked good against Usman until his soul left his body so it will be very interesting to see how he looks at light heavyweight. He has speed and has a good variety of attacks.
When Pauga begins to land whether it is to the body, legs or even the chin, Wright may shoot for a takedown. That will only sap the gas tank trying to take down the heavier man.
Wright has the experience and will be dangerous in the first round. He is a hefty underdog, so there is value on an early knockout, but we are backing Pauga to find that damaged chin.
Prediction: Pauga via KO/TKO - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
Value bet: Wright via KO/TKO
