MMA Preview – Rafael dos Anjos vs Bryan Barberena at UFC Orlando
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
RAFAEL DOS ANJOS VS BRYAN BARBERENA FACTS
When is UFC on ESPN 42? Sunday 4th December, 2022 - 01:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC on ESPN 42? Amway Center, Orlando, Florida (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC on ESPN 42? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC events
What channel is UFC on ESPN 42 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC on ESPN 42? 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!
RAFAEL DOS ANJOS VS BRYAN BARBERENA LOWDOWN
Bryan Barberena (18-8) is coming off the biggest win of his career. He was gifted a match-up against the legend Robbie Lawler back in July after earning a unanimous decision over Darian Weeks (2021) and a split one over Matt Brown (2022) which was the ‘Fight of the Night’. His battle with Lawler also earnt him a ‘Fight of the Night’ bonus and he managed to down the war-beaten veteran in the second round to make it three wins on the bounce.
Rafael dos Anjos (31-14) is 3-5 in his last eight, but he is still in the upper echelon of the welterweight division which is remarkable considering he has been duking it out with the cream of the crop for a decade. After losing unanimous decisions to the current champ Leon Edwards (2019) and Michael Chiesa (2020), he bounced back with a split decision over Paul Felder (2020) and an absolute pounding on Renato Moicano (2022) who took the fight on short notice. He was then on his way to beating top contender Rafael Fiziev but got caught in the fifth round to suffer his third knockout loss.
RAFAEL DOS ANJOS VS BRYAN BARBERENA PREDICTION
This matchmaking makes sense as Barberena deserves another big name and dos Anjos steps back up to welterweight needing a break from top ranked murderers.
On paper, dos Anjos is better everywhere. He is a better striker, better wrestler, has better cardio and has some of the best jiu-jitsu in the UFC. He also has priceless five-round experience and will attack the holes in Barberena’s game.
The glaring one here, is his takedown defence. Dos Anjos will be confident in out striking Barberena, however he has the smarts to know he is too tough and dangerous to exchange with for too long. So, we expect the Brazilian to eventually take the fight to the ground and work on a submission.
A dos Anjos decision or submission are the most likely outcomes here, but considering the odds, ‘Bam Bam’ may be worth a small punt.
Prediction: Dos Anjos via Submission - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
Value Bet: Barberena via KO/TKO
