MMA Preview – Terrance McKinney vs Esteban Ribovics at UFC on ESPN 56
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
TERRANCE MCKINNEY VS ESTEBAN RIBOVICS FACTS
When is UFC on ESPN 56? Saturday 11th May, 2024 - 22:00 (UK)
Where is UFC on ESPN 56? Enterprise Center, St. Louis, Missouri (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC on ESPN 56? Click here to buy tickets for UFC on ESPN
What channel is UFC on ESPN 56 on? TNT Sports 2
Where can I stream UFC on ESPN 56? 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!
TERRANCE MCKINNEY VS ESTEBAN RIBOVICS LOWDOWN
Terrance McKinney (15-6) fought four times last year and it could not have started any worse. He got sent into another dimension by Ismael Bonfim’s knee at UFC 283 and then got submitted by Nazim Sadykhov. He went on to draw a couple more generous matchups but made the most out of it by icing Mike Breeden and Brendan Marotte in the first round to pick up his sixth and seventh knockouts.
Now, he is back to fighting killers. Esteban Ribovics (12-1) made his UFC debut last year after finishing all 11 of his opponents (six knockouts and five submissions). He met Loik Radzhabov who filled in for Kamuela Kirk and suffered his first loss which was via unanimous decision. However, he eventually met Kirk at UFC 290 and earnt a unanimous decision of his own to get back on track.
TERRANCE MCKINNEY VS ESTEBAN RIBOVICS PREDICTION
If McKinney is on and protects his chin, he can win this emphatically. If not, he will get knocked out emphatically. He has the wrestling to throw Ribovics to the deck and will boast a four-inch reach advantage.
If he only searches for the knockout, he will be playing with fire. Ribovics is an extremely dangerous striker and will only need one opportunity to crumple McKinney’s chin.
Considering the losses, we expect McKinney to approach this smarter and mix in his wrestling. The more boring he makes this, the better chance he has. Ribovic is more technical on the feet, but if he gets taken down a few times, McKinney’s hands will be more threatening.
We understand why Ribovic is the favourite especially as he also has decent jiu-jitsu in the locker. If this goes past the first round, he makes all the sense, but we have a feeling McKinney may put him away early.
Prediction: McKinney via KO/TKO
Value bet: McKinney to win
