MMA Preview – Luana Santos vs Mariya Agapova at UFC on ESPN 59
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LUANA SANTOS VS MARIYA AGAPOVA FACTS
When is UFC on ESPN 59? Sunday 14th July, 2024 - 01:00 (UK)
Where is UFC on ESPN 59? Ball Arena, Denver, Colorado (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC on ESPN 59? Click here to buy tickets for UFC Fight Night
What channel is UFC on ESPN 59 on? TNT Sports 1
Where can I stream UFC on ESPN 59? 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!
LUANA SANTOS VS MARIYA AGAPOVA LOWDOWN
Luana Santos (7-1) can be a real threat in the flyweight division with two solid UFC wins under the belt already. She displayed her striking skills eventually TKOing Juliana Miller (2023) on debut and then met fellow judoka Stephanie Egger and came out on top with two takedowns sealing an impressive unanimous decision.
She takes on Mariya Agapova (10-4) who has struggled since her devastating upset loss to Shana Dobson (2020) on debut. She responded to that humbling TKO by reeling off a vintage submission over Sabina Mazo (2021) but has gone on to get submitted by Maryna Moroz (2022) and Gillian Robertson (2022).
LUANA SANTOS VS MARIYA AGAPOVA PREDICTION
Santos missed weight before her fight with Egger which is a worry considering it was up at bantamweight. She is a decent size for the flyweight division and as long as she has a smooth weight cut, she has the skills to cruise this.
She is a terrible match-up for Agapova who has mediocre takedown defence at best. If she can take down a judo gold medallist in Egger, she can ragdoll Agapova. We expect her to clinch up and toss her to the canvas where she will rain down the ground-and-pound while working on a submission.
Agapova is a dangerous and explosive striker so if Santos has the ego to stand, she has a chance. We can see that happening as she emptied the gas tank on Miller looking for the finish on the feet. That will be a risky strategy, but if Santos plays it smart, she can carve through Agapova with her grappling.
Prediction: Santos via Submission
Value Bet: Perez to win
