MMA Preview – Karolina Kowalkiewicz vs Diana Belbita at UFC Fight Night 229
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KAROLINA KOWALKIEWICZ VS DIANA BELBITA FACTS
When is UFC Fight Night 229? Saturday 7th October, 2023 - 22:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC Fight Night 229? UFC APEX, Enterprise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC Fight Night 229? Click here to buy tickets for UFC Fight Night
What channel is UFC Fight Night 229 on? TNT Sports 1
Where can I stream UFC Fight Night 229? TNT Sports subscribers can stream the fight online via the TNT Sports website and Discovery+
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!
KAROLINA KOWALKIEWICZ VS DIANA BELBITA LOWDOWN
It looked like the writing was on the wall when Karolina Kowalkiewicz (15-7) got submitted by Jessica Penne (2021) to cap off a miserable five-fight skid. However, after going back to the drawing board with a fresh start, she is enjoying a resurgence by submitting Felice Herrig (2022) and outpointing Silvana Gomez Juarez (2022) and Vanessa Demopoulos (2023).
Diana Belbita’s (15-7) time in the UFC also looked like it was up after losing her first two fights. She lost a unanimous decision to Molly McCann (2019) on debut and then got submitted by Liana Jojua (2020). She then dropped down to strawweight and got her account up and running with a unanimous decision over Hannah Goldy (2021). She then lost one to Gloria de Paula (2022) but is coming off another unanimous decision of her own against Maria Oliveira back in June.
KAROLINA KOWALKIEWICZ VS DIANA BELBITA PREDICTION
Besides Penne, all Kowalkiewicz’s losses have come to some of the best fighters in the division at the time. There is a stark difference in the calibre of their opponents and that experience should pay dividends.
That said, Belbita is a tough fight for the veteran. She is well-rounded fighter with a relentless output. She is good on the feet and tricky on the floor, but Kowalkiewicz’s experience should enable her to keep the fight where she wants it.
She has a strong Muay Thai background and should edge the exchanges. If the fight hits the deck, she will be in trouble, but Kowalkiewicz has the takedown defence to keep the fight on the feet long enough to sway the judges.
Prediction: Kowalkiewicz via Decision
Value bet: Belbita via Submission
