MMA Preview – Ismael Bonfim vs Vinc Pichel at UFC Fight Night 231
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
ISMAEL BONFIM VS VINC PICHEL FACTS
When is UFC Fight Night 231? Saturday 4th November, 2023 - 23:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC Fight Night 231? Ginasio do Ibirapuera, Sao Paulo, (Brazil)
Where can I get tickets for UFC Fight Night 231? Click here to buy tickets for UFC Fight Night
What channel is UFC Fight Night 231 on? TNT Sports 2
Where can I stream UFC Fight Night 231? 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!
ISMAEL BONFIM VS VINC PICHEL LOWDOWN
Ismael Bonfim (19-4) is coming off a humbling handed out by Benoit St Denis. He exploded onto the UFC scene at the start of the year by sending a spectacular flying knee down Terrance McKinney’s throat which extended his win streak to 13. He then strutted into the Apex at UFC on ESPN 48 as the favourite but got handled and submitted in the first round. Now, he fights on home soil desperate to make up for the defeat.
Vinc Pichel (14-3) started his UFC career almost 10 years ago and has amassed an impressive record of 7-3 which does not include a stint on The Ultimate Fighter 15. However, it is tough to build momentum when you average one fight a year. He built a three-fight streak earning vintage unanimous decisions over Roosevelt Roberts (2019), Jim Miller (2020) and Austin Hubbard (2021). He then fought Mark Madsen (2022) and thought he did enough to earn a fourth, but all three judges gave Madsen the nod.
ISMAEL BONFIM VS VINC PICHEL PREDICTION
This is a tough ask for the 40-year-old, coming off an 18 month lay-off to fly over to enemy territory against a wild fan favourite. That said, he has a chance if he can get a hold of Bonfim and wrestles him for three rounds sapping the energy bar.
However, if Bonfim respects the wrestling of Pichel, he has all the tools to get the better of him everywhere and that includes his own wrestling. Pichel’s takedown defence is poor and we can see the Brazilian taking him down.
That said, we expect Bonfim to try and get the job done on the feet. He will be super aggressive and hunt the chin with an array of strikes. Pichel is very durable, but Bonfim is a huge favourite for a reason.
Prediction: Bonfim via Decision
Value bet: Pichel to win
EDIT: THIS FIGHT HAS NOW BEEN CANCELLED
