JESSICA-ROSE CLARK VS JOSELYNE EDWARDS FACTS
When is UFC Fight Night 196? Saturday 23rd October, 2021 -19:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC Fight Night 196? UFC APEX, Enterprise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC Fight Night 196? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC events
What channel is UFC Fight Night 196 on? BT Sport 2
Where can I stream UFC Fight Night 196? 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!
JESSICA-ROSE CLARK VS JOSELYNE EDWARDS LOWDOWN
Jessica-Rose Clark (10-6(1)) has recovered from tearing her ACL which is great news as she was coming off one of her most impressive wins and mauling of Sarah Alpar in September last year. She put the debutant out of her misery with some brutal knees despite tearing her ACL. That win came with great relief after losing two unanimous decisions in a row to Jessica Eye (2018) and Pannie Kianzad (2019) which snapped a three-fight streak. Clark is now back and hoping to emulate her last performance, but just going back to fighting more than once a year would be a good start.
Joselyne Edwards (10-3) returns after a whirlwind couple months at the start of the year. She was coming off a brilliant knockout over Pamela Gonzalez after losing a split decision to Alpar. She made her debut as a short notice replacement for Bethe Correira and ending up beating Yanan Wu via unanimous decision. She then stepped up on short notice again only three weeks later against Karol Rosa. However, Rosa was a challenge too steep and she ended up losing a unanimous decision.
JESSICA-ROSE CLARK VS JOSELYNE EDWARDS PREDICTION
This is great matchmaking, and it will be interesting to see how Clark has recovered from her injury and what Edwards looks like with a full training camp.
Edwards will also have a lot of range on Clark with a six-inch reach and three-inch height advantage. She has the striking skills to utilise that advantage by keeping Clark at a distance with her jab and kicks.
However, if Clark can close the distance, it will be a different fight. Rosa took Edwards down at will and although Clark is not as good a grappler as Rosa, she can out wrestle Edwards. Clark is also dangerous in the pocket so needs to find a way of getting close, attempting the takedown or clinching up and unleashing on the break.
Edwards is the underdog, but if Clark cannot close the distance, she will eat her up and pepper her at range to earn a decision. This can go either way, but we are backing Clark to play it smart and lace up the wrestling boots.
Prediction: Clark via Decision - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
Value Bet: Edwards via Decision