MMA Preview – Marlon Vera vs Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC on ABC 7
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MARLON VERA VS DEIVESON FIGUEIREDO FACTS
When is UFC on ABC 7? Saturday 3rd August, 2024 - 18:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC on ABC 7? Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi (UAE)
Where can I get tickets for UFC on ABC 7? Click here to buy tickets for UFC on ABC 7
What channel is UFC on ABC 7 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC on ABC 7? 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!
MARLON VERA VS DEIVESON FIGUEIREDO LOWDOWN
Marlon Vera (23-9-1) is coming off his first UFC title attempt. He earnt it with a unanimous decision over Pedro Munhoz (2023) at UFC 292 although his previous win against Sean O’Malley back in 2020 was the real reason he got the title shot. He possesses the sole loss on the champ’s record but could not follow it up in the rematch and was outclassed for five rounds at UFC 299.
Now, he welcomes Deiveson Figueiredo (23-3-1) for his third fight up at 135 lbs. After his tetralogy with Brandon Moreno where he went 1-2-1, he walked away without the belt and motivation to continue cutting down to 125 lbs. Rob Font welcomed him to the division and the former flyweight champ earnt a unanimous decision. He then followed that up with a ruthless submission over Cody Garbrandt at UFC 300.
MARLON VERA VS DEIVESON FIGUEIREDO PREDICTION
This is a mouthwatering matchup. Vera will boast the two-inch reach and three-inch height advantage as the natural bantamweight. Figueiredo has more pop in his shots, but his main advantage comes in the grappling department.
Expect a lot of aggression and leg kicks traded between the two. Vera is a more diverse striker and capable of catching the chin. Figueiredo is more explosive, but Vera is extremely durable and the Brazilian will be in danger of emptying the gas tank is he chases the knockout.
A striking battle will keep everyone on their edge of their seats, but if Figueiredo is smart, he will have a strategy based around his grappling. He has the power and technique to take Vera down and keep him on his back and even find a submission.
Vera is always worth a punt as the underdog, but we are backing Figueiredo with the Ecuadorian’s durability preventing a finish.
Prediction: Figueiredo via Decision
Value Bet: Vera to win
