MMA Preview – Ottman Azaitar vs Francisco Prado at UFC on ESPN 49
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
OTTMAN AZAITAR VS FRANCISCO PRADO FACTS
When is UFC Vegas 77? Sunday 16th July, 2023 - 01:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC Vegas 77? UFC APEX, Enterprise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC Vegas 77? Click here to buy tickets for UFC Fight Night
What channel is UFC Vegas 77 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC Vegas 77? 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!
OTTMAN AZAITAR VS FRANCISCO PRADO LOWDOWN
We waited over two years to see Ottman Azaitar (13-1) build on his 13-fight win streak which included 10 knockouts. He smoked out Teemu Packalen (2019) and Khama Worthy (2020) in his first two UFC appearances and finally returned in November last year. However, he was matched with Matt Frevola who gave him a taste of his own medicine with a first-round knockout.
He takes on fellow finisher Francisco Prado (11-1). He made his UFC debut in March this year filling in as a late replacement to take on Jamie Mullarkey. Like Azaitar, he felt untouchable without a loss on the record but felt the step-up in competition getting outclassed in a unanimous decision.
OTTMAN AZAITAR VS FRANCISCO PRADO PREDICTION
They are both coming off a loss, but this is a tough fight for Prado who is only 21 years old. He has his whole future ahead of him and he is taking on an experienced knockout artist. That said, he is a well-rounded, aggressive and confident fighter.
Azaitar’s power is undeniable, but he is unproven at the top level with favourable matchmaking. Frevola gave him a touch of reality and Prado will be confident he can also find the chin. However, trading with Azaitar is risky when you are without a UFC win.
So, we expect him to call upon his grappling as long as he does not get put to sleep first. Azaitar will welcome Prado stepping into range where he will fire leg kicks and swing for the fences.
If Prado can close the distance safely, he has the grappling and power to throw Azaitar to the canvas and rain down the ground-and-pound. We are backing him and there is clear recency bias as the Argentinian is the favourite.
Azaitar was rusty and coming off a loss to Frevola who just knocked out Drew Dober. He is the value pick in a fight that is very close to call.
Prediction: Prado via KO/TKO
Value bet: Azaitar via KO/TKO
