MMA Preview – Jack Della Maddalena vs Bassil Hafez at UFC on ESPN 49
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JACK DELLA MADDALENA VS BASSIL HAFEZ FACTS
When is UFC Vegas 77? Sunday 16th July, 2023 - 01:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC Vegas 77? UFC APEX, Enterprise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC Vegas 77? Click here to buy tickets for UFC Fight Night
What channel is UFC Vegas 77 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC Vegas 77? 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!
JACK DELLA MADDALENA VS BASSIL HAFEZ LOWDOWN
Third opponent lucky for Jack Della Maddalena (14-2). He was originally scheduled to fight Sean Brady last week at UFC 290. However, he had to pull out with an infected elbow and his replacement Josiah Harrell was diagnosed with Moyamoya disease during his medical. Terrible news for him and Maddalena who missed out on the pay-per-view card but fortunately another brave opponent has stepped up giving the Aussie the chance to build on his electrifying UFC run including four first-round finishes and three ‘Performance of the Night’ bonuses coming off a submission over Randy Brown back in February.
Bassil Hafez (8-3-1) sets off to the APEX for the biggest opportunity of his career hoping to cause the almighty upset. He has only fought once a year since 2020 where he lost a split decision to Evan Cutts (2021) for CFFC. Hw replied with a split decision of his own against Anthony Ivy (2022) for Fury FC and and a vengeful third-round knockout over Cutts (2023) for Fury FC again.
JACK DELLA MADDALENA VS BASSIL HAFEZ PREDICTION
Hafez is being led to the slaughter, but he has nothing to lose stepping up on short notice to take on the welterweight prospect. On the flip side, Maddalena has everything to lose as he is on a title fight trajectory with everyone and their dog expecting him to win.
Hafez is not on the Aussie’s level, but he is a strong grappler who hits hard. He has the ability to test Maddalena’s grappling and we expect him to shoot in and try and get the fight to the canvas. The main worry for Maddalena is that he made weight only a week ago and will be cutting down to 170 lbs again.
He will be dehydrated and fatigued however, his skill on the feet is nothing short of exquisite. His boxing is top tier and it should be enough to pick Hafez apart at will and we expect a knockout. The double weight cut may be tempting for a small bet on Hafez, but the odds are still completely stacked against him.
Prediction: Maddalena via KO/TKO
Value bet: Hafez to win
