MMA Preview – Justin Gaethje vs Michael Chandler at UFC 268
JUSTIN GAETHJE VS MICHAEL CHANDLER FACTS
When is UFC 268? Sunday 7th November, 2021 - 00:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC 268? Madison Square Garden, New York (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 268? Click here to buy tickets for UFC 268
What channel is UFC 268 on? BT Sport 2
Where can I stream UFC 268? 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!
JUSTIN GAETHJE VS MICHAEL CHANDLER LOWDOWN
It is about time Justin Gaethje (22-3) laced the gloves back up. He has been left in the cold after his title fight dismantlement a year ago. It was a well-earned title shot against Khabib Nurmagomedov which turned out to be the Russian’s swansong and wrote off in still with a second-round triangle choke. With the help of Trevor Wittman, Gaethje had clearly harnessed his temperament to make the most out of his skillset as we saw in his win streak. He knocked out James Vick (2018), Edson Barboza (2019), Donald Cerrone (2019) and dished out the biggest beating Tony Ferguson (2020) had ever received in his career. He collected four fight bonuses in the process and now finally gets to remind everyone those performance are not a distant memory.
Michael Chandler (22-6) is also coming off a title fight loss although it was not to the lightweight ‘GOAT’. He took on Charles Oliveira for the vacant title which he earnt after knocking out Dan Hooker back in January last year. It was the perfect debut which fast tracked him to a title shot as he was only coming off two Bellator wins. That said, they were two ruthless knockouts over Sidney Outlaw (2019) and Benson Henderson (2020). His second UFC appearance did not go his way getting stung by a perfect right hand from the Brazilian in an exciting back and forth scrap but he has a great chance to keep his title hopes alive here.
JUSTIN GAETHJE VS MICHAEL CHANDLER PREDICTION
What a fight. We have two experienced powerhouses from a wrestling background with ferocious knockout power. Gaethje has three inches in height over Chandler but only one inch in reach so their distance control will be dictated by their movement and timing.
These are elements Gaethje did not consider until after his wars with Eddie Alvarez and Dustin Poirier, but now he is a cerebral assassin. He does not rely on his high-level wrestling and he will call upon his limbs to put Chandler away.
Chandler also prefers his hands these days but if either of them shoot in, it will be him. Chandler will also back his striking especially as he will have a speed advantage. He will utilize his explosiveness to burst in the pocket and throw heat towards Gaethje’s jaw.
Gaethje will be completely undeterred as he has been in wars with some of the best strikers in the division and with Wittman, he will execute a strategy instead of simply exchanging leather.
That strategy will begin with leg kicks. He has some of the most powerful kicks in the division and it will only take a few to disable Chandler but he will have to expect his trademarked monster overhand right to fly over as a counter.
It is even more important for Gaethje to be composed here especially as he is not a big fan of Chandler. He needs to be patient with his attacks as Chandler is more athletic and can cover the distance in a flash to unleash. If Gaethje can land a few early leg kicks without getting hit, the fight will swing in his favour.
Chandler needs to maintain volume to prevent Gaethje dictating the tempo as long as he keeps out of range. He cannot stay in the pocket for long as the exchanges are going to be dynamite where Gaethje’s power and battle-hardened style will wreak havoc.
Considering Chandler’s last five fights have ended via knockout and Gaethje does not know what a decision is, another finish is likely. We are backing Gaethje with the help of Wittman and his training partner Kamaru Usman to nullify Chandler’s strengths and employ his own to be the last man standing but Chandler is the value bet if he remains a significant underdog.
Prediction: Gaethje via KO/TKO - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
Value Bet: Chandler via Decision
