MMA Preview – Maki Pitolo vs Dusko Todorovic at UFC on ESPN 31
MAKI PITOLO VS DUSKO TODOROVIC FACTS
When is UFC on ESPN 31? Sunday 5th December, 2021 - 01:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC on ESPN 31? UFC APEX, Enterprise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC on ESPN 31? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC events
What channel is UFC on ESPN 31 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC on ESPN 31? 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!
MAKI PITOLO VS DUSKO TODOROVIC LOWDOWN
Maki Pitolo (13-8) is fighting to save his UFC future here. He burst onto the UFC scene on the Contender Series knocking out Justin Sumter (2019) extending his record to 12-4. However, he has gone 1-4 in his five UFC fights. He lost a unanimous decision to Callan Potter (2019) on his debut, bounced back with a TKO over Charles Byrd (2020) but got submitted by Darren Stewart (2020) and Julian Marquez (2021) sandwiching a unanimous decision loss to Impa Kasanganay (2020). So, a fourth loss will surely be terminal to his UFC career.
Dusko Todorovic (10-2) is not fairing too much better having lost his last two. Those were the first losses of his career and came after a unanimous decision over Teddy Ash (2019) on the Contender Series to set up a debut against Dequan Townsend (2020). He proceeded to knock him out in the second round but went on to get TKO’d himself by Punahele Soriano (2021) and is coming off a unanimous decision loss to Gregory Rodrigues.
MAKI PITOLO VS DUSKO TODOROVIC PREDICTION
Both men are aggressive strikers and there is a lot of pressure on them here so do not be surprised if this starts off cagey and they are hesitant to pull the trigger. They are both good fighters and capable of stringing some UFC wins together but they need to approach this in the same way as the performances that got them to the octagon.
Pitolo needs to be patient and wait for Todorovic to engage as his defence is suspect at best. The Serbian leaves his chin wide open with his hands down and Pitolo has the power to end the fight with one clean punch.
Todorovic has to sharpen up his defence, but he still needs to be aggressive and put Pitolo on the back foot. He will be confident of winning the stand-up battle, but he would be wise to mix in a takedown as he has the advantage on the ground.
If this remains on the feet, a knockout either way is likely especially considering their defence. If Todorovic actually decides to put his hands up and can get the fight to the ground, he can also pull off a submission or decision. A lot of outcomes are possible here and Pitolo is a smart bet if he is the underdog.
Prediction: Todorovic via Decision - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
Value Bet: Pitolo via KO/TKO
