MMA Preview – Jake Collier vs Chris Barnett at UFC 279
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JAKE COLLIER VS CHRIS BARNETT FACTS
When is UFC 279? Sunday 11th September, 2022 - 01:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC 279? T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 279? Click here to buy tickets for UFC 279
What channel is UFC 279 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC 279? 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!
JAKE COLLIER VS CHRIS BARNETT LOWDOWN
Since Jake Collier’s (13-7) UFC debut all the way back in 2014, he has gone on a consecutive win – loss run. The theme of his career has been a lack of consistency starting his career as a promising middleweight and now settling for life as a heavyweight. He got inevitably schooled and knocked out by Tom Aspinall (2020) after nearly three years out, earnt a unanimous decision over Gian Villante (2020), lost a split one to Carlos Felipe (2021), submitted Chase Sherman (2022) and is coming off another split decision loss to Andrei Arlovski (2022).
Chris Barnett (22-8) has made quite the splash since dancing onto the UFC scene. He stepped up on short notice to fight Ben Rothwell (2021) and got caught in his guillotine in the second round. He then pulled out one of the most memorable knockouts we have seen in the heavyweight division – connecting with a beautiful spinning wheel kick to Villante’s (2021) dome setting up the finish. He then took on Martin Buday back in April and got caught with an illegal elbow to back of the head in the third round rendering him unable to continue while down on the scorecards.
JAKE COLLIER VS CHRIS BARNETT PREDICTION
Collier does not have any impressive wins on the record, but he is a solid fighter with good technique. What Barnett lacks in technique, he makes up for in explosiveness and movement. He is very athletic and he can easily tag Collier with something he does not see coming.
Considering the odds, Barnett is worth a punt, but we are backing Collier to call upon his experience to grind out a win. We expect his boxing to do most the damage and although he is not known for his wrestling, he will not have to work hard to get Barnett down to the canvas and keep him there.
Barnett has recently had the tragic news of his fiancé passing. Dealing with that could go one of two ways for his performance and we are not sure how he will turn up, but it would be a surprise to see him win either way.
Prediction: Collier via Decision - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
Value Bet: Barnett to win
