MMA Preview – Randa Markos vs Luana Pinheiro at UFC Vegas 25
RANDA MARKOS VS LUANA PINHEIRO FACTS
When is UFC Vegas 25? Sunday 2nd May, 2021 - 01:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC Vegas 25? UFC APEX, Enterprise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC Vegas 25? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC events
What channel is UFC Vegas 25 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC Vegas 25? 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!
RANDA MARKOS VS LUANA PINHEIRO LOWDOWN
Randa Markos’ (10-10-1) record has taken a pounding but that is the price you pay when fighting the majority of your career in the UFC. She was part of the first crop of strawweight fighters and has consistently fought top competition. Her last good win was submitting Angela Hill back in 2019 but she has gone1-4 since. She lost a unanimous decision to Claudia Gadelha, bounced back with a slit decision win over Ashely Yoder but has gone on to lose against three top prospects – Amanda Ribas, Mackenzie Dern and Kanako Murata.
Luana Pinheiro (8-1) hopes to climb into that prospect bracket and she is carrying all the momentum making her debut. She is on a six-fight streak with six first-round finishes including two submissions and a knockout for the Brave Combat Federation. She continued that form on the Contender Series back in November, knocking out Stephanie Frausto so after winning a decision on her pro debut, she has gone on to win all her fights in the first round.
RANDA MARKOS VS LUANA PINHEIRO PREDICTION
Pinheiro has rare finishing ability for a strawweight but taking on an experienced veteran will be the true litmus test of her abilities. Pinheiro is obviously very aggressive and will look to force the pressure again here.
She will try and walk Markos down with strikes and corner her against the fence to clinch up and eventually drag her to the canvas to unleash her ground-and-pound. However, Markos is very crafty on the ground and will be constantly looking for a submission.
Pinheiro has a clear power advantage, particularly in her hands. If the fight stays on the feet, you have to back the Brazilian and if she goes for the takedown, she has the power to pile on the damage in top position, but it will be risky to tangle with Markos.
Pinheiro has all of the momentum and should be able to overwhelm Markos but you cannot count out the huge discrepancy in experience so she has all the value as the underdog but Pinheiro’s aggressiveness should get the job done here.
Prediction: Pinheiro via Decision - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
Value Bet: Markos via Decision
