MMA Preview – Rinya Nakamura vs Fernie Garcia at UFC Fight Night 225
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RINYA NAKAMURA VS FERNIE GARCIA FACTS
When is UFC Singapore? Saturday 26th August, 2023 - 11:30 start (UK)
Where is UFC Singapore? Singapore Indoor Stadium, Kallang, Singapore (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC Singapore? Click here to buy tickets for UFC Fight Night
What channel is UFC Singapore on? TNT Sports 3
Where can I stream UFC Singapore? 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!
RINYA NAKAMURA VS FERNIE GARCIA LOWDOWN
It has only been six months since Rinya Nakamura’s (7-0) UFC debut, but it feels like we have been waiting for a long time for his return. He has transitioned from his wrestling background effortlessly and blitzed through the Road to UFC bantamweight tournament. He submitted Gugun Gusman (2022) and knocked out Shohei Nose (2022) both in the first round to set up the finale at UFC Fight Night 218. He met Toshiomi Kazama (2023) and continued the theme by smoking him in the first round.
Fernie Garcia (10-3) bravely steps up as the next lamb. He punched his UFC ticket on the Contender Series by knocking out Josh Weems (2021) which capped off a five-fight win streak which included three split decisions. However, his introduction to the UFC has not gone to plan losing both fights – unanimous decisions to Journey Newson (2022) and Brady Hiestand (2022).
RINYA NAKAMURA VS FERNIE GARCIA PREDICTION
It seems Garcia is being led to the slaughter. He got taken down five times in 11 attempts by Newson and Heistand and now he is being fed to a World Cup bronze medallist wrestler. He is also a powerhouse with knockout power.
He will throw wild bombs towards Garcia’s chin as opposed to simply pursuing the takedown and Garcia will hope he decides to stand as long as possible. The American can wrestle, but he will want nothing to do with any grappling and will hoping to counter Nakamura’s reckless shots.
Garcia is the more technical striker and will offer a submission threat, but Nakamura is too powerful and his wrestling can completely take the fight away from him when he decides to use it.
Another knockout is likely and considering the astronomic odds, Garcia may be worth a small punt especially if the Japan native gasses out and leave an arm exposed.
Prediction: Nakamura via KO/TKO
Value bet: Garcia to win
