LAUREN MURPHY VS JOANNE CALDERWOOD FACTS
When is UFC 263? Sunday 13th June, 2021 - 01:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC 263? Gila River Arena, Glendale, Arizona (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 263? Click here to buy tickets for UFC 263
What channel is UFC 263 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC 263? 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!
LAUREN MURPHY VS JOANNE CALDERWOOD LOWDOWN
After her best year in the UFC going 3-0, Lauren Murphy (14-4) returns firmly believing she should be next in line to take on the queen of the division. If she picks up another win, she has a strong argument but, in all honesty, she would just be another number in Valentina Shevchenko’s win column. Nonetheless, she is in the form of her life after knocking out Mara Romero Borella in 2019 and going on to earn a split decision over Andrea Lee, a unanimous decision over Roxanne Modafferi and a submission over Liliya Shakirova.
Joanne Calderwood (15-5) was on the cusp of a title shot herself before taking on Jennifer Maia. She also earned a split decision over Lee after losing a unanimous decision to Katlyn Chookagian but went on to get submitted in the first round gifting her shot to Maia. That was her only fight last year but she returned in January to fight Jessica Eye and pulled off a brilliant unanimous decision win.
LAUREN MURPHY VS JOANNE CALDERWOOD PREDICTION
This is destined to be a very evenly contested battle. They are both warriors and are fully expected to trade punches, kicks and takedowns right up until the bell.
They are both well versed, but Calderwood’s strength is clearly her striking and in particular her Muay Thai and kicks. Murphy is a solid boxer and is also a good wrestler so expect Murphy to capitalise on Calderwood’s suspect takedown defence.
The fight will be close wherever it goes and as we see a lot in women’s MMA, when the fighters struggle to finish, takedowns are crucial in swaying the judges and this is where Murphy will have the advantage.
That said, Calderwood is capable of a takedown herself and should be able to avoid any damage on the ground. The longer the fight stays on the feet, the more you have to back Calderwood and her superior technique should help her land the better strikes to claim the rounds.
Prediction: Calderwood via Decision - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
Value Bet: Murphy via Decision