MMA Preview – Paddy Pimblett vs Jordan Leavitt at UFC Fight Night 208
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PADDY PIMBLETT VS JORDAN LEAVITT FACTS
When is UFC London? Sunday 23rd July, 2022 - 18:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC London? The O2 Arena, London (UK)
Where can I get tickets for UFC London? Click here to buy tickets for UFC London
What channel is UFC London on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC London? 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!
PADDY PIMBLETT VS JORDAN LEAVITT LOWDOWN
Paddy Pimblett (18-3) is becoming a superstar with his recent performances matching his charisma. They have not been flawless, with Luigi Vendramini welcoming him to the octagon last September with some heavy shots as we expected, but Pimblett rallied to secure a knockout of his own late in the first round. He returned in March this year to take on Rodrigo Vargas and secured a vintage rear-naked choke, again before the first bell rung.
Jordan Leavitt (10-1) is his next assignment who has bounced back well from his first professional loss. After his frightening slam on Matt Wiman (2020) to kick off his UFC career, he dropped a unanimous decision to Claudio Puelles (2021). He replied with a brilliant inverted triangle choke on Matt Sayles (2021) and followed that up with a split decision over Trey Ogden back in April.
PADDY PIMBLETT VS JORDAN LEAVITT PREDICTION
This is a good match-up. Leavitt has a lot of potential and is also a grappler by trade but goes about business in a different way. He is a lot more measured with a wrestling base and that will be key in trying to control the fight.
However, Pimblett is extremely hard to control with his aggression and unpredictability. That extends from the ground to the feet from kicks from range to combinations in the pocket ready to pounce on a takedown for a submission.
Pimblett is a showman and will buzzing off his rocker with a deafening crowd behind him. Leavitt will have to expect a rabid start from the scouser and he has the temperament to keep his cool and stick to a game plan.
He will be giving up some size and speed, but he is a brilliant wrestler. The question is whether he can keep Pimblett pinned to the ground. This is his route to victory, fending off Pimblett’s submission attempts while draining his energy.
The only way we can see Leavitt winning is if he weathers the early storm and wrestles Pimblett for a round or two to empty the gas tank and set up a late submission or decision. However, Pimblett’s power and offensive jiu-jitsu should create enough space to prevent him from getting subdued.
Pimblett is the hefty favourite and we expect his energy and strikes from range to overwhelm Leavitt to set up a finish, but unless the Liverpudlian paces himself, he could be in for a humbling night on the canvas.
Prediction: Pimblett via KO/TKO - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
Value Bet: Leavitt to win
