The Stats Zone
March 9 2023, 23:32 · Ewan Lavender

MMA Preview – Raphael Assuncao vs Davey Grant at UFC Fight Night 221

MMA Preview – Raphael Assuncao vs Davey Grant at UFC Fight Night 221

Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!

RAPHAEL ASSUNCAO VS DAVEY GRANT FACTS

When is UFC Fight Night 221? Saturday 11th March, 2023 - 21:00 start (UK)

Where is UFC Fight Night 221? The Theatre at Virgin Hotels, Enterprise, Nevada (US)

Where can I get tickets for UFC Fight Night 221? Click here to buy tickets for UFC Fight Night

What channel is UFC Fight Night 221 on? BT Sport 2

Where can I stream UFC Fight Night 221? 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!

RAPHAEL ASSUNCAO VS DAVEY GRANT LOWDOWN

Raphael Assuncao (28-9) proved there is life in the old dog yet. He entered his recent bout with Victor Henry (2022) after nearly a year out and sliding on a four-fight skid. His previous win was in 2018 against Rob Font, but then ran into a row of killers. Marlon Moraes (2019) submitted him, Cory Sandhagen (2019) outpointed him, Cody Garbrandt (2020) pulled out an award-winning knockout out of nowhere followed by another from Ricky Simon (2021). It was looking like the end, but he gave Henry a lesson on his way to the 14th decision win of his career.

He was rewarded with another killer in the form of Kyler Phillips who unfortunately had to pull out. Davey Grant (14-6) steps in for his first fight of the year. His last three wins have ended in blistering knockouts. He added Martin Day (2020) and Jonathan Martinez (2021) to the highlight reel but then dropped decisions in ‘Fight of the Night’ displays to Marlon Vera (2021) and Adrian Yanez (2021). He bounced back in May last year by sending Louis Smolka out of the UFC and is hoping to add another to the victim sheet.

RAPHAEL ASSUNCAO VS DAVEY GRANT PREDICTION

Assuncao is a lot further away from his prime than Grant, but his prime was a #3 bantamweight and his experience is priceless. Grant is no spring chicken either at 37 years old, but he has less miles on the clock, is durable and is still very explosive.

This is a tough fight for both men but really depends on how Assuncao approaches this. If he makes this boring by remaining illusive on the feet and mixing in his grappling but if this slips into a brawl, Grant will be licking his lips.

Assuncao is the underdog, and he has the wrestling and experience to grind out a decision, but we are leaning towards Grant capitalizing on the weathered chin.

Prediction: Grant via KO/TKO - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)

Value bet: Assuncao via Decision