MMA Preview – Philipe Lins vs Maxim Grishin at UFC on ESPN 46
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PHILIPE LINS VS MAXIM GRISHIN FACTS
When is UFC on ESPN 46? Sunday 4th June, 2023 - 00:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC on ESPN 46? UFC APEX, Enterprise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC on ESPN 46? Click here to buy tickets for UFC Fight Night
What channel is UFC on ESPN 46 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC on ESPN 46? 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!
PHILIPE LINS VS MAXIM GRISHIN LOWDOWN
Philipe Lins (16-5) is at home in the light heavyweight division. He entered the UFC off the back of winning the PFL 2018 heavyweight tournament but could not carry on the form at the higher level. He lost a unanimous decision to Andrei Arlovski (2020) on debut and got knocked out by Tanner Boser (2020). He returned two years later down at 205 lbs and got back to winning ways with a unanimous decision over Marcin Prachnio (2022) and a first-round knockout over Ovince Saint Preux (2023).
Maxim Grishin (32-9-2) also made his UFC debut at heavyweight stepping up to fight Marcin Tybura (2020). It was a challenge too far getting outclassed in a unanimous decision but bounced back with a vintage TKO over Gadzhimurad Antigulov (2020). Dustin Jacoby (2021) then inflicted another decision loss but he is now coming off a unanimous decision of his own over William Knight (2022).
PHILIPE LINS VS MAXIM GRISHIN PREDICTION
Lins is well-rounded and he will have all the confidence in his hands after his last performance. He will back himself on the feet again, but he is taking on a quality kickboxer this time.
So, Lins should call upon his grappling to get the job done here. It is the hole in Grishin’s game and Lins is a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. So, if he can get the fight to the ground he should be in control.
However, his wrestling is not on the same level and Grishin is difficult to take down. While this stays on the feet, Grishin will throw an array of strikes including leg kicks and front kicks to maintain the distance.
Grishin is also very strong in the clinch, so Lins really needs this on the deck. So, his avenue to victory is narrower and is why we are leaning towards the Russian.
We expect Grishin to muscle his way out of the clinch and get to work on the feet to earn a decision or even a knockout. However, there is value on Lins considering the odds.
Prediction: Grishin via Decision
Value bet: Lins to win
