MMA Preview – Ilia Topuria vs Charles Jourdain at UFC 270
ILIA TOPURIA VS CHARLES JOURDAIN FACTS
When is UFC 270? Sunday 23rd December, 2021 - 01:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC 270? Honda Center, Anaheim, California (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 270? Click here to buy tickets for UFC 270
What channel is UFC 270 on? BT Sport 2
Where can I stream UFC 270? 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!
ILIA TOPURIA VS CHARLES JOURDAIN LOWDOWN
Ilia Topuria (11-0) is one of the most exciting prospects coming out of Europe and although he only has had three UFC fights, he has his eyes set on the top of the featherweight division. He snapped Youssef Zalal’s (2020) impressive four-fight win streak with a unanimous decision and although he is known as a submission artist, he has illuminated the cage with his hands in his last two fights starching Damon Jackson (2020) and Ryan Hall (2021).
He was originally scheduled to fight Movsar Evloev who pulled out, but thankfully, Charles Jourdain (12-4-1) is one of few fighters that put their hand up. He is a warrior but been a mixed bag in the UFC going 2-2-1. He fought three times last year knocking out Marcelo Rojo but then got submitted by Julian Erosa. However, he bounced back with a classy unanimous decision over Andrew Ewell back in December.
ILIA TOPURIA VS CHARLES JOURDAIN PREDICTION
Hats off to Jourdain for taking this fight on short notice. This is a very tough match-up for him as Topuria has looked phenomenal in the UFC and is only getting better. He is incredibly aggressive and explosive, but he has to take Jourdain seriously.
The clear route to victory for Topuria is to capitalize on Jourdain’s 45% takedown defence, drag him to the mat and work on a submission. That is exactly what we expect to happen however, if he decides to test his ego on the feet, he may have a rude awakening as Jourdain is a very talented striker who is capable of a knockout and keeping up a pace for 15 minutes.
Considering the odds, Jourdain is worth a small punt, but we will be very surprised if Topuria does not walk away with a convincing victory.
Prediction: Topuria via Submission - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
Value Bet: Jourdain to win
