MMA Preview – Rong Zhu vs Chris Padilla at UFC Fight Night 242
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
The first fight on the main card at UFC Fight Night 242 sees Rong Zhu meet Chris Padilla in the UFC’s lightweight division at the Apex in Vegas
RONG ZHU VS CHRIS PADILLA FACTS
When is UFC Fight Night 242? UK – the preliminary card starts at 12:00am on Sunday 8th September 2024, followed by the main card at 3:00am / USA – 7:00pm/10:00pm ET and 4:00pm/7:00pm PT (both Saturday 7th September)
Where is UFC Fight Night 242? UFC Apex, Las Vegas, USA
Where can I get tickets for UFC Fight Night 242? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC Fight Night 242
What TV channel is UFC Fight Night 242 on? UK – TNT Sports / USA – ESPN+
Where can I stream UFC Fight Night 2422? UK – TNT Sports subscribers can stream the fight online via the TNT Sports website and discovery+ / USA – ESPN+
For viewers in the United States, UFC Fight Night 242 will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
RONG ZHU VS CHRIS PADILLA LOWDOWN
30-fight veteran Rong Zhu returns to action and he will be looking to extend his four-fight winning streak. He brings his 25-5 into this bout with Chris Padilla and after an initial spell in the UFC, he has won three fights I the Road to UFC season two to be handed another shot here.
Padilla is also riding a four-fight streak and after years of fighting in the smaller promotions, he got his chance in the UFC in April and he took it. He beat James Llontop thanks to a first-round rear-naked choke and he will now look to improve on his 14-6 record.
RONG ZHU VS CHRIS PADILLA PREDICTION
Rong Zhu is a veteran on one hand having had 30 pro MMA fights but the Chinese lightweight is still just 24-years-old. He still has plenty of improvement to make and he will be looking at making a run in the UFC’s lightweight division now. 15 of his 30 wins have come via KO/TKO and he has continued to stop opponents even when the quality has levels have risen.
Chris Padilla has had his ups and downs as he has built a 14-6 record, but the fighter nicknamed ‘Taco’ has been looking better by the fight in the last 18 months.
Padilla is also improving all the time but we just lean towards the Chinese fighter here. Rong Zhu is experienced, he is confident and he is getting better all the time. This could easily go the distance despite both fighters’ strong records of stopping opponents, and preference goes to Zhu.
PREDICTION: Rong Zhu to win
