NEW UFC PPV BOUTS INCLUDE DIEGO SANCHEZ VS. MICHAEL CHIESA
The UFC has announced a number of new bouts throughout the past couple of weeks for its upcoming pay-per-view cards that summer. Below are my thoughts on those new matchups.
Talita Bernardo vs. Melissa Gatto, UFC 237
Because of an injury to Jessica Rose Clark, Talita Bernardo will now meet UFC newcomer Melissa Gatto at a women’s bantamweight bout at UFC 237, occurring May 11 in Jeunesse Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Bernardo (6-3) is currently 1-2 in the UFC and is coming from a decision win over Sarah Moras. Gatto (6-0-2) is undefeated in her MMA career fighting the Brazilian regional scene. Bernardo has not looked very good in the UFC and contemplating Gatto is just 22-years-old she’s definitely someone to keep your eye when the chances for this battle come out. If she’s the underdog she could be worth a punt.
Karolina Kowalkiewicz vs. Alexa Grasso, UFC 238
A women’s strawweight bout between Karolina Kowalkiewicz and also Alexa Grasso is set for UFC 238, which takes place June 8 at United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The card comprises five women’s bouts in complete, including this particular fight.
Kowalkiewicz (12-4) is only 5-4 in the UFC and is coming from back-to-back losses to Jessica Andrade and Michelle Waterson. She is making a fast return to the Octagon since the fight against Waterson took place only a couple of weeks ago, and she is likely in a must-win position in this struggle against Grasso in UFC 238. Grasso (10-2) is 2-2 in the UFC but hasn’t fought since last May when she was submitted by Tatiana Suarez. The two Kowalkiewicz and Grasso have been solid-yet-flawed fighters, but depending on her experience I’d guess Kowalkiewicz would be a small favorite at open.
Diego Sanchez vs. Michael Chiesa, UFC 239
Welterweights Diego Sanchez and Michael Chiesa are scheduled to fight at UFC 239, occurring July 6 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Sanchez (29-11) is 18-11 all-time inside the Octagon and is one of the longest-tenured fighters on the UFC roster and a future Hall of Famer. He proceeded to welterweight last year and has since gone 1-2 with a weight loss loss to Matt Brown followed closely by back-to-back wins Craig White and Mickey Gall, who he only finished in catastrophic fashion. Chiesa (15-4) is 8-4 at the UFC and submitted Carlos Condit in his welterweight debut in his final bout. Both Sanchez and Chiesa looked amazing in their past fights, but provided that Sanchez is 37 and has obtained a whole lot of damage throughout his career, you have to lean towards Chiesa here.
Edmen Shahbazyan vs. Jack Marshman, UFC 239
Middleweight prospect Edmen Shahbazyan yields at UFC 239 when he takes on Jack Marshman.
Shahbazyan (9-0) is only 21-years-old and is currently 2-0 at the UFC with a knockout win over Charles Byrd and also a split decision win over Darren Stewart. He is among the top young prospects at 185lbs and all but one of his career victories has come by knockout. Marshman (23-8) is 3-3 in the UFC and is coming from a controversial split decision win over John Phillips. Although Marshman is a good gateekeeper at 185lbs, Shahbazyan is the future of this branch, and he will undoubtedly be a massive favorite heading into the particular bout.
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