MMA Preview – Miguel Baeza vs Punahele Soriano at UFC on ESPN 57
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MIGUEL BAEZA VS PUNAHELE SORIANO FACTS
When is UFC on ESPN 57? Saturday 8th June, 2024 - 23:00 (UK)
Where is UFC on ESPN 57? KFC Yum! Center, Louisville, Kentucky (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC on ESPN 57? Click here to buy tickets for UFC on ESPN
What channel is UFC on ESPN 57 on? TNT Sports 1
Where can I stream UFC on ESPN 57? 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!
MIGUEL BAEZA VS PUNAHELE SORIANO LOWDOWN
When Miguel Baeza (10-3) submitted Takashi Sato (2020), he capped off his first three UFC outings with three finishes and two ‘Performance of the Night’ bonuses to extend his unbeaten record to 10. However, he has not won since slipping on a three-fight skid. Santiago Ponzinibbio (2021) snapped the run with a unanimous decision and then Khaos Williams (2021) and Andre Fialho (2022) compounded the misery with two knockouts.
Punahele Soriano (9-4) is 1-4 in his last five. Brendan Allen (2021) and Nick Maximov (2022) ruined his perfect record in decisions before he bounced back with a vintage knockout over Dalcha Lungiambula (2022). However, Roman Kopylov (2023) knocked him out and Dustin Stoltzfus (2023) submitted him leaving his UFC career hanging by a thread.
MIGUEL BAEZA VS PUNAHELE SORIANO PREDICTION
The loser could lose their place on the roster, so they will be feeling the pressure. It will be interesting to see if that effects their natural aggression especially considering Baeza has not fought for over two years and Soriano moves down to welterweight.
On paper, these two ought to be fighting at the top of their divisions let alone for their job. Soriano has a strong background in wrestling with one-punch knockout power and Baeza is an athletic beast and technical striker with a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
His two previous knockouts is a real worry considering Soriano’s power. We expect him to have the confidence to put Soriano away on the feet, but he only needs to get tagged once to feel a four-fight skid.
Soriano is the smart pick as the underdog considering his power and Baeza’s defence, chin and inactivity. That said, Baeza has the skill set to find a finish from anywhere, especially if he can pounce on the back.
Baeza is the better technical fighter and Soriano has a lot of weight to cut and has never fought at 170 lbs. This is tough to call and either fighter can make this look easy.
Prediction: Soriano via KO/TKO
Value bet: Soriano via KO/TKO
