MMA Preview – Joaquin Buckley vs Alessio Di Chirico at UFC Fight Island 7
JOAQUIN BUCKLEY VS ALESSIO DI CHIRICO FACTS
When is UFC Fight Island 7? Saturday 16th January, 2021 - 20:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC Fight Island 7? Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi (UAE)
Where can I get tickets for UFC Fight Island 7? No tickets are available as this event will take place without spectators
What channel is UFC Fight Island 7 on? BT Sport 3
Where can I stream UFC Fight Island 7? 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!
JOAQUIN BUCKLEY VS ALESSIO DI CHIRICO LOWDOWN
After Joaquin Buckley’s (12-3) knockout of the year over Impa Kasangany followed up by a more orthodox yet violent knockout of Jordan Wright a month later in November, Buckley is the hot ticket right now. Those wins made it nine knockouts out of his 12 wins and they were the perfect performances to make people forget about Kevin Holland giving him a taste of his own medicine two months prior.
Alessio Di Chirico (12-5) is in completely contrasting form having lost his last three and only fighting once last year. The streak started in 2019 also succumbing to Holland but in a close and debateable unanimous decision. He then lost two more unanimous decisions to Makhmud Muradov and Zak Cummings but he the judges were not kind to him.
JOAQUIN BUCKLEY VS ALESSIO DI CHIRICO PREDICTION
Including the knockout loss to Holland, four fights last year in these conditions is priceless experience for Buckley and he has all the momentum which is why he is the heavy favourite.
Skill-wise, Di Chirico is the more technical and well-rounded fighter, but all the pressure is on him fighting to save his UFC career. He will be cagey which is not ideal when up against a knockout artist full of confidence.
That said, Di Chirico has never been knocked out and is the better grappler. If the fight goes into the third round, it will be there for the taking. The worrying sign for Di Chirico is that he got sent down by a Cummings head kick but was saved by the bell and we know Buckley has devastating power.
All the value is on Di Chirico, but all the momentum is with Buckley and he is expected to extend his streak at the Italian’s expense.
Prediction: Buckley via Decision
