MMA Preview – Pedro Munhoz vs Chris Gutierrez at UFC on ESPN 44
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PEDRO MUNHOZ VS CHRIS GUTIERREZ FACTS
When is UFC on ESPN 44? Saturday 15th April, 2023 - 23:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC on ESPN 44? T-Mobile Center, Kansas City, Missouri (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC on ESPN 44? Click here to buy tickets for UFC on ESPN
What channel is UFC on ESPN 44 on? BT Sport 2
Where can I stream UFC on ESPN 44? 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!
PEDRO MUNHOZ VS CHRIS GUTIERREZ LOWDOWN
Pedro Munhoz (19-7(2)) is getting desperate for a dub especially after his last fight ended in a ‘no contest’ due to getting eye poked by Sean O’Malley. That was nearly a year ago now and prior to that he was 1-4 in his last five. He lost decisions to Aljamain Sterling (2019) and Frankie Edgar (2020) before earning one of his own against Jimmie Rivera (2021). He then lost two more to Jose Aldo (2021) and Dominick Cruz (2021) to take his overall UFC record to 9-7(2)
He takes a break from the blockbuster names, but it does not get any easier as Chris Gutierrez (18-4-2) heads to Kansas City riding an eight-fight unbeaten streak. He is only getting better and coming off two knockouts last year which included a spectacular spinning backfist on Danaa Batgerel and a ferocious knee which ended Edgar’s illustrious career.
PEDRO MUNHOZ VS CHRIS GUTIERREZ PREDICTION
Battle of the leg kickers. They both possess some of the most lethal leg kicks in the division and they make zero attempt in hiding the fact they will throw at will. So, expect an exchange of baseball bats attempting to chop each other down.
Gutierrez looks more dangerous on the feet with every fight and Pedro has the power to match him. He is also incredibly durable, so we expect this to be a war. That said, Pedro is on the decline and despite his experience advantage, his form is miserable.
If this goes to the floor, you have to back Munhoz. He is a black belt in jiu-jitsu, but he only calls upon those skills once his opponent is rocked and pounces on a guillotine. So, this will be decided on the feet which we expect to be a very close battle.
We are leaning towards Gutierrez considering his form, speed and Munhoz’s defence but the Brazilian is worth a punt if he remains a hefty underdog.
Prediction: Gutierrez via Decision - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
Value bet: Munhoz to win
