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VERONICA HARDY VS JAMEY-LYN HORTH FACTS
When is UFC on ESPN 52? Saturday 2nd December, 2023 - 22:00 (UK)
Where is UFC on ESPN 52? Moody Center, Austin, Texas (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC on ESPN 52? Click here to buy tickets for UFC on ESPN
What channel is UFC on ESPN 52 on? TNT Sports 2
Where can I stream UFC on ESPN 52? 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!
VERONICA HARDY VS JAMEY-LYN HORTH LOWDOWN
We did not see Veronica Hardy (7-4-1) for three years after failing to find her feet in the UFC. She floated between flyweight and bantamweight going 1-4. She was undersized at bantamweight and we saw the best of her when she wrapped up an armbar over Polyana Viana (2019) at 125 lbs. She took the time off after losing a unanimous decision to Bea Malecki (2020) back up at 135 lbs. She finally returned in March this year at UFC London and look rejuvenated as she cruised a unanimous decision over Juliana Miller.
Now, she has been rewarded by getting paired with the unbeaten Jamey-Lyn Horth (6-0). She drops down a division after outpointing Hailey Cowan on her UFC debut back in April. It was the first time she went to the bell after finishing her first five fights including three knockouts and two submissions.
VERONICA HARDY VS JAMEY-LYN HORTH PREDICTION
Hardy made a mockery of the odds in her last fight although it remains to be seen whether Miller is UFC calibre. That said, you have to expect an even more improved version of her after the comeback fight is under the belt.
She suffered against the bigger women and Horth steps down from bantamweight and will have a two-inch reach and three-inch height advantage. She also boasts a significant power advantage over Hardy and will try and find the chin from range and use her weight in the grappling exchanges.
We understand why she is the favourite, but Hardy has more speed, better movement and is arguably the better grappler. Her jiu-jitsu in particular is impressive and her power is deceptive.
All the value is on Hardy as the more technical fighter. Horth is unproven at this level whereas we feel Hardy’s experience, speed on the feet and grappling will earn her a decision.
Prediction: Hardy via Decision
Value bet: Hardy via Decision