MMA Preview – Cody Stamann vs Askar Askar at UFC Vegas 18
CODY STAMANN VS ASKAR ASKAR FACTS
When is UFC Vegas 18? Saturday 6th January, 2021 – 23:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC Vegas 18? UFC APEX, Las Vegas, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC Vegas 18? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC events
What channel is UFC Vegas 18 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC Vegas 18? 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!
CODY STAMANN VS ASKAR ASKAR LOWDOWN
Cody Stamann (19-3-1) had a tumultuous year to say the least. He entered 2020 coming off a draw with Song Yadong but his brother passed away in May. However, he still managed to enter the cage and even pulled off an incredible unanimous decision over Brian Kelleher in June. He wanted to keep up the momentum and fought a month later but clashed with an in-form Jimmie Rivera who earnt the unanimous decision.
Andre Ewell got hit by the COVID-19 hammer removing him just five days out but fortunately Askar Askar (11-1) steps up and makes his debut. He has fought for a variety of promotions and suffered his first loss a year ago. He got knocked out by Saidyokub Kakhramonov for Hoosier Fight Club but returned in October for the Legacy Fighting Alliance, hopping straight back in the win column with a unanimous decision over Kevin Wirth.
CODY STAMANN VS ASKAR ASKAR PREDICTION
Inevitably Askar is the heavy underdog but he has nothing lose, stepping up on short notice in a fight he is not expected to win. In which case, he has to let his hands go and keep moving hoping to catch Stamann before he lands the takedown.
As usual, Stamann will be giving up some reach – 64.5 inches to Askar’s 69.5 but that will count for nothing if Stamann lands the takedown. His wrestling is a level above Askar’s previous opponents and as long as Stamann does not get cocky and decides to trade, he will be able to land takedown after takedown, keeping Askar pinned on his back. Submission opportunities will be there but we just have not seen that side of Stamann’s game in the UFC, so a decision is more likely.
Prediction: Stamann via Decision – CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
