MMA Preview – Matt Frevola vs Ottman Azaitar at UFC 257
MATT FREVOLA VS OTTMAN AZAITAR FACTS
When is UFC 257? Sunday 24th January, 2021 - 01:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC 257? Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi (UAE)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 257? No tickets are available as this event will take place with a limited number of spectators
What channel is UFC 257 on? BT Sport 1 (prelims) BT Sport Box Office (£19.95)
Where can I stream UFC 257? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website and app
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!
MATT FREVOLA VS OTTMAN AZAITAR LOWDOWN
There were questions marks about whether Matt Frevola (8-1-1) could hack it in the big time after losing and drawing his first two UFC fights. He arrived to the octagon unbeaten but got starched in his first round by Polo Reyes. He then fought to a draw with Lando Vanatta but he dusted himself off and went on to win his next two, earning unanimous decisions over Jalin Turner and Luis Pena.
The question for Ottman Azaitar (13-0) at the moment is; how high can he go? He arrived to the UFC with justified hype finishing all but one of his 11 wins (8 knockouts and two submissions) and managed to maintain that form in the UFC. He assaulted Teemu Packalen before leaving him a twitching mess with his monster right hand and then snapped Khama Worthy’s seven-fight win streak with another knockout.
MATT FREVOLA VS OTTMAN AZAITAR PREDICTION
We are all well aware of Azaitar’s punching power so Frevola is going to have to approach this cautiously and devise a strategy based on his wrestling. He needs to weather the first round, close the distance and get him to the ground.
Frevola has to try and tire him out and finish stronger but he may not resist the urge to trade with Azaitar. He is a good striker but there is too much risk in exchanging with the Moroccan star who only needs one clean connection. Frevola can grind out a decision but over three rounds, he may leave too many opportunities for Azaitar to find the 11th knockout of his career.
Prediction: Azaitar via KO/TKO
