MMA Preview – Tony Ferguson vs Michael Chiesa at UFC on ABC 7
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TONY FERGUSON VS MICHAEL CHIESA FACTS
When is UFC on ABC 7? Saturday 3rd August, 2024 - 18:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC on ABC 7? Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi (UAE)
Where can I get tickets for UFC on ABC 7? Click here to buy tickets for UFC on ABC 7
What channel is UFC on ABC 7 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC on ABC 7? 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 MICHAEL CHIESA LOWDOWN
After compiling a record-breaking 12-fight lightweight win streak, Tony Ferguson (25-10) is now riding the longest losing streak. Justin Gaethje (2020) took his soul and started the seven-fight skid. Injuries, wars and unnecessary weight cuts did not do any favours for his longevity and Charles Oliveira (2020), Beneil Dariush (2021), Michael Chandler (2022), Nate Diaz (2022), Bobby Green (2023) and Paddy Pimblett (2023) have done their best to bury the legend.
Michael Chiesa (16-7) is a much more appropriate matchup coming off three dominant losses. Besides three fights in 2021, he has been very inactive. He capped off a quality four-fight streak at the start of that year by earning a unanimous decision over Neil Magny. However, he went on to get submitted by Vicente Luque (2021), drop a unanimous decision to Sean Brady (2021) and another submission to Kevin Holland (2023) slumping to a UFC record of 11-7.
TONY FERGUSON VS MICHAEL CHIESA PREDICTION
The only larger contrast than Chiesa’s submission offence and defence is Ferguson’s form. Chiesa has wilted in fights and been submitted five times in the UFC. That said, it will be his grappling that wins this.
Ferguson is lethal off his back with submission attacks and elbows, but Chiesa has the size, technique and wrestling to subdue him for three rounds. Prime Ferguson overwhelms Chiesa on the feet and keeps up a suffocating pace until the bell.
However, you have to pretend that Ferguson never existed when predicting his fights. He has looked dangerous at times recently and is still a threat on the feet. Chiesa is also very unlikely to test the damaged chin with zero knockouts on the record.
Ferguson is a colossal underdog which is tempting, however Chiesa has more to give, and you cannot ignore the form despite the level of competition.
Prediction: Chiesa via Decision
Value Bet: Ferguson to win
