MMA Preview – Julian Erosa vs Fernando Padilla at UFC Fight Night 223
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JULIAN EROSA VS FERNANDO PADILLO FACTS
When is UFC Fight Night 223? April 29th March, 2023 - 22:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC Fight Night 223? UFC APEX, Enterprise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC Fight Night 223? Click here to buy tickets for UFC Fight Night
What channel is UFC Fight Night 223 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC Fight Night 223? 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!
JULIAN EROSA VS FERNANDO PADILLO LOWDOWN
It is third time lucky for Julian Erosa (28-10) whose third stint in the UFC has been a fruitful one. He managed to compile a three-right win streak submitting Charles Jourdain (2021), squeaking past Steven Peterson (2022) in a split decision and then a more convincing unanimous one over Hakeem Dawodu (2022). However, he then ran into fellow veteran Alex Caceres (2022) who snapped the streak with one of the best knockouts of the year landing a majestic head kick in the first round.
He returns to the APEX to welcome Fernando Padillo (14-4) to the UFC. He has fought for a variety of promotions but has been very inactive. He lost a unanimous decision to UFC alum Spike Carlyle (2019) for CXF and then returned two years later for LFA. He earnt a split decision over Nate Richardson and followed that up with a TKO over Cameron Graves two months later for Fury FC.
JULIAN EROSA VS FERNANDO PADILLO PREDICTION
We have not seen Padillo since his knockout over Graves two years ago, but he is still a very dangerous fight for Erosa. The veteran has little to gain and the Mexican has a great opportunity to add his biggest name to the record.
He is only 26 years old with a bright future and he has the striking to capitalize on the weathered chin. However, we feel the experience and volume of Erosa is likely to overwhelm Padillo if he starts slow.
We can see Padillo finding success in his hands. He is aggressive and Erosa’s defence is average at best. That said, this is a tough debut when you have been inactive, and we give Erosa the edge.
Prediction: Erosa via Decision - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
Value bet: Padilla to win
