MMA Preview – Pedro Munhoz vs Sean O’Malley at UFC 276
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PEDRO MUNHOZ VS SEAN O’MALLEY FACTS
When is UFC 276? Sunday 3rd July, 2022 - 01:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC 276? T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 276? Click here to buy tickets for UFC 276
What channel is UFC 276 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC 276? 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!
PEDRO MUNHOZ VS SEAN O’MALLEY LOWDOWN
Pedro Munhoz (19-7(1)) has lost four of his last five, but he has been awarded with a money fight to kick off the stacked pay-per-view card. That is because the fan-favourite is rarely involved in a boring fight. After that memorable slug fest with Cody Garbrandt (2019) where he was the last man standing, he went on to lose a unanimous decision to the current champ Aljamain Sterling (2019) and a split decision to Frankie Edgar (2021) that could have gone his way. He responded with a decision of his own against Jimmie Rivera (2021) but is coming off two more unanimous decision losses to two more legends in Jose Aldo and Dominick Cruz last year.
The only time Sean O’Malley (15-1) has not graced a pay-per-view card was on his debut. He racked up two ‘Performance of the Night’ bonuses in his first four UFC wins before running into Marlon Vera (2020). The Ecuadorian disabled his leg leading to the TKO inflicting O’Malley’s first loss. The charismatic star quickly dismissed that performance and has gone on to knock out Thomas Almeida, Kris Moutinho and Raulin Paiva all last year in impressive fashion.
PEDRO MUNHOZ VS SEAN O’MALLEY PREDICTION
On paper, this is a great stylistic match-up for O’Malley although we know Munhoz loves to tear up a script. Munhoz is a high-level Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, but he has fallen in love with his hands which is likely to be his undoing here.
He is confident trading with anyone, but he will be giving up five inches in height, seven and a half inches in arm reach and three and a half inches in leg reach. Add in the fact, O’Malley is one of the slickest and most illusive strikers in the division who is only getting better makes him the firm favourite for us.
Munhoz has the experience and power to hurt O’Malley, but if his game plan is simply to hope he connects and pounce on a submission, he will be in for a painful night. He has a ruthless guillotine and if he rocks O’Malley, he can cinch one up in a flash.
However, O’Malley is an underrated grappler which will give him more confidence on the feet. We can expect Munhoz to fire off his thunderous leg kicks to chop O’Malley down like Vera did, but this is where the range discrepancy will become evident.
Munhoz can cause problems in the pocket and with his leg kicks, but O’Malley’s technique, range and movement should negate that threat, lure the Brazilian into his web and may even seal a late knockout if he provokes Munhoz’s ego.
Prediction: O’Malley via KO/TKO - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
Value Bet: Munhoz via Submission
