MMA Preview – Katlyn Chookagian vs Manon Fiorot at UFC 280
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KATLYN CHOOKAGIAN VS MANON FIOROT FACTS
When is UFC 280? Saturday 22nd October, 2022 - 17:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC 280? Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi (UAE)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 280? Click here to buy tickets for UFC 280
What channel is UFC 280 on? BT Sport 3 (prelims)
Where can I stream UFC 280? 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!
KATLYN CHOOKAGIAN VS MANON FIOROT LOWDOWN
The gatekeeper to Valentina Shevchenko’s throne, Katlyn Chookagian (18-4) heads to Abu Dhabi for her 16th UFC fight. She is simply not good enough to win the flyweight title, but she will not go away. In 2020, she got dominated and TKO’d in her title fight with the Queen and also got folded by former strawweight champion Jessica Andrade. However, there is no quit in her and she has gone on to earn vintage classy decisions over Cynthia Calvillo (2020), Viviane Araujo (2021), Jennifer Maia (2022) and Amanda Ribas (2022).
Manon Fiorot (9-1) is the next contender standing at the gate. She is only 10 fights deep into her MMA career, but she has looked completely at home in the UFC. She started her account with a couple routine knockouts over Victoria Leonardo (2021) and Tabatha Ricci (2021). She then got handed tougher tests in the form of Mayra Bueno Silva (2021) and Maia (2022) rising to the challenge with impressive unanimous decisions.
KATLYN CHOOKAGIAN VS MANON FIOROT PREDICTION
Chookagian matchups are usually boring and predicable, but she is taking on a fellow striker here with technique and power. Chookagian uses her own technique and reach masterfully, keeping out of range and peppering her opponents at a consistent pace.
Shevchenko had too much for her in every area, but her fight with Andrade was interesting as the Brazilian was willing to stand and trade despite giving up a six-inch reach and seven-inch height advantage. However, she could not handle her power.
Fiorot has that power in her legs and throws her kicks like punches thanks to her karate background. She will still be giving up three inches in reach and two in height, but she can make up for that with her technique.
The key for closing the distance and breaking the rhythm of Chookagian here will be aggression. Fiorot will be prepared to eat shots to get close and unleash her power. Her side kick can be particularly destructive.
If Fiorot does start to land, Chookagian has the grappling in the locker where she has the advantage. She is a decent wrestler with exceptional jiu-jitsu. However, we feel Fiorot’s power will be key factor in defending the takedowns and swaying the judges by landing the heavier shots.
Surprisingly, Chookagian is the underdog, so another decision is a no brainer for a bet. If this stays on the feet, we would lean towards Fiorot, but Chookagian has the tools and experience to cause the upset.
Prediction: Fiorot via Decision
Value Bet: Chookagian via Decision
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