MMA Preview – Rani Yahya vs Montel Jackson at UFC Fight Night 222
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RANI YAHYA VS MONTEL JACKSON FACTS
When is UFC Fight Night 222? Saturday 22nd April, 2023 - 22:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC Fight Night 222? UFC APEX, Enterprise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC Fight Night 222? Click here to buy tickets for UFC Fight Night
What channel is UFC Fight Night 222 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC Fight Night 222? 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!
RANI YAHYA VS MONTEL JACKSON LOWDOWN
Rani Yahya (28-10-1(1)) heads to the APEX for his 20th UFC fight. He made his debut all the way back in 2011 and has only lost four times. The last was over four years ago where Ricky Simon’s wrestling nullified his offence. He then fought to a draw with Enrique Barzola (2020) but is coming off two wins – a submission over Ray Rodriguez (2021) and a unanimous decision over Kyung-ho Kang (2021).
Montel Jackson (12-2) welcomes the submission wizard back to the cage. He also got outpointed by Simon (2018) which was back on his debut. Since then, he has only lost once which was another decision to Brett Johns (2020) and has responded with a TKO over Jesse Strader (2021) and two unanimous decisions over JP Buys (2021) and Julio Arce (2022).
RANI YAHYA VS MONTEL JACKSON PREDICTION
We all know what Yahya is going to do and that will be to swing punches, pounce on a leg, try and take Jackson down and work on a submission. So, the game plan is also clear for Jackson and that will be to maintain the distance.
What swings this in Jackson’s favour for us is his wrestling. It is not on Simon’s level, but it is good enough to create the space he needs to unleash his hands. He is a much better striker than the Brazilian and he has the power to him away.
A submission is always possible with Yahya especially in the first round but if Jackson can survive, Yahya will find it harder to get the fight to the ground while draining the gas tank.
So, we are backing the bigger and quicker Jackson, but a 22nd submission for the decorated jiu-jitsu ace is the value bet as the significant underdog.
Prediction: Jackson via Decision - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
Value bet: Yayha via Submission
