MMA Preview – Tony Ferguson vs Bobby Green at UFC 291
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TONY FERGUSON VS BOBBY GREEN FACTS
When is UFC 291? Sunday 30th July, 2023 - 00:00 (UK)
Where is UFC 291? Delta Center, Salt Lake City, Utah (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 291? Click here to buy tickets for UFC 291
What channel is UFC 291 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC 291? 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!
TONY FERGUSON VS BOBBY GREEN LOWDOWN
Everything changed for Tony Ferguson (25-8) when he decided to cut weight twice for no reason before his fight with Justin Gaethje (2020) at UFC 249. Gaethje capitalized on a depleted ‘El Cucuy’ delivering a five-round assault handing him his first ever knockout. That snapped a record-breaking 12-fight win streak and he has looked the same since losing to Charles Oliveira (2020), Beneil Dariush (2021), Michael Chandler (2022) and Nate Diaz (2022).
Bobby Green (29-14-1(1)) has also had a tough schedule and is 2-4(1) in his last seven. He lost unanimous decisions to Thiago Moises (2020) and Rafael Fiziev (2021) before knocking out Al Iaquinta (2021) and outpointing Nasrat Haqparast (2022). He then took on Islam Makhachev (2022) on short notice getting TKO’d with Drew Dober (2022) piling on the misery with a second knockout on the bounce. He then knocked out Jared Gordon back in April, but it was with his head instead of his hand to force a ‘no contest’.
TONY FERGUSON VS BOBBY GREEN PREDICTION
This is fantastic matchmaking between two fan-favourites at the tail end of their careers. Ferguson reached a higher level, but his form has fallen off a cliff whereas Green has arguably got better with age.
Looking back, Ferguson got dealt a tough hand fighting killer after killer while on the decline. Green is a kinder match-up but with the damage he has absorbed, Green’s volume and pressure could shorten his career.
Volume and pressure helped Ferguson compile the record run and his durability did not even make sense, but he has lost that aura and his confidence has gone with it.
Ferguson can find a submission, but Green will do his best to not let the fight go to the floor ensuring a stand-up battle. Green has the technique to pepper Ferguson without taking much damage.
El Cucuy is still dangerous and may worth a punt as the heavy underdog, but it is so hard to back him based on his last fights.
Prediction: Green via Decision
Value bet: Ferguson to win
