MMA Preview – Michel Pereira vs Niko Price at UFC 264
MICHEL PEREIRA VS NIKO PRICE FACTS
When is UFC 264? Sunday 11th July, 2021 - 01:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC 264? T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 264? Click here to buy tickets for UFC 264
What channel is UFC 264 on? BT Sport Box Office (£19.99) BT Sport 2 (prelims)
Where can I stream UFC 264? 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!
MICHEL PEREIRA VS NIKO PRICE LOWDOWN
It seems Michel Pereira (25-11(2)) is finally calibrating all of that raw talent. He is coming off two exceptional performances displaying a bit of nous for once. He dominated Zelim Imadaev back in September sealing the Russian’s fate in the third round with a submission and he followed that up with another measured performance three months later. He took on fellow slugger and showman Khaos Williams which was a real test of his temperament, but he avoided the brawl and gassing himself out to collect an impressive unanimous decision win.
Niko Price (14-4(2)) has never carried out a calm and measured performance but that is why we love him. His reckless style has created epic wars and his ability has allowed him to come out on top in many. He boasts knockouts over Randy Brown, Tim Means and James Vick which were broken up by brutal knockout losses to Abdul Razak Alhassan, Geoff Neal and Vicente Luque. After that three-round battering from Luque in May last year, he was given a deserved glamour tie with Donald Cerrone and it lived up to expectation. However, eye pokes from Price forced a draw which was later overturned due to a failed drugs test.
MICHEL PEREIRA VS NIKO PRICE PREDICTION
Price has got to poke the beast instead of the eye and coax Pereira into a brawl. Pereira has looked great recently, unleashing his power and flair at the right time while mixing in takedowns to control the fight and pace himself.
That Pereira should cruise a victory over Price as he has the better technique and is more powerful. However, Price has a knack of bringing the dog out in fighters and if he can flick Pereira’s switch and force him into wild exchanges, throwing unnecessary flair, there where be numerous opportunities to find his chin and empty his energy bar.
If the fight goes to Price’s way, it will be a war and we would lean toward Price getting a late knockout. If it goes Pereira’s way, there will still be some thrilling exchanges, but the Brazilian will be in more control and throw in takedowns to make sure he wins the rounds.
Prediction: Pereira via Decision
Value Bet: Price via KO/TKO
