MMA Preview – JJ Aldrich vs Veronica Hardy at UFC on ESPN 56
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JJ ALDRICH VS VERONICA HARDY FACTS
When is UFC on ESPN 56? Saturday 11th May, 2024 - 22:00 (UK)
Where is UFC on ESPN 56? Enterprise Center, St. Louis, Missouri (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC on ESPN 56? Click here to buy tickets for UFC on ESPN
What channel is UFC on ESPN 56 on? TNT Sports 2
Where can I stream UFC on ESPN 56? 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!
JJ ALDRICH VS VERONICA HARDY LOWDOWN
JJ Aldrich (13-6) is one of the most experienced female fighters on the roster walking out for her 15th UFC fight. She has a decent record of 9-5 which was extended by two of her best performances to date last year. She TKO’d out Na Liang and earnt a unanimous decision over Montana De La Rosa last year.
Veronica Hardy (8-4-1) looks rejuvenated since the three-year break. Back in 2020, she realised she had no right fighting up at bantamweight when she lost a unanimous decision to Bea Malecki. She returned to the UFC 286 London card to earn a unanimous decision over Juliana Miller (2023) and followed that up with a hard-fought split decision over Jamey-Lyn Horth (2023).
JJ ALDRICH VS VERONICA HARDY PREDICTION
Hardy 2.0 looks a lot more assured and is fighting smarter however, this is a real test to see whether she has taken her game to the next level.
Aldrich is a quality striker and will have the height and reach advantage. She also has excellent takedown defence which will be key. She will try and keep the fight on the feet and overwhelm Hardy with her volume.
Hardy will be confident of winning the striking exchanges herself with her movement and dynamism. She also comes from taekwondo background and will try and negate the reach with her speed.
The striking battle will be very interesting and the difference could come down to whether Hardy can seal the takedown. We expect competitive striking and a lot of clinch work, but Hardy’s strength, aggression and the odd takedown will sway the judges in a close decision.
Prediction: Hardy via Decision
Value Bet: Fight to go the distance
