MMA Preview – Raphael Assuncao vs Ricky Simon at UFC Fight Night 199
RAPHAEL ASSUNCAO VS RICKY SIMON FACTS
When is UFC Fight Night 199? Saturday 18th December, 2021 - 22:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC Fight Night 199? UFC APEX, Enterprise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC Fight Night 199? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC events
What channel is UFC Fight Night 199 on? BT Sport 3
Where can I stream UFC Fight Night 199? 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 RICKY SIMON LOWDOWN
Raphael Assuncao (27-8) is on a three-fight skid, but they were to former title challengers and a former champion. The veteran compiled four great wins together earning split decisions over Aljamain Sterling and Marlon Moraes (2017) before knocking out Matthew Lopez (2017). He followed that up with a unanimous decision over Rob Font (2018) before meeting Moraes (2019) again who was hungry for vengeance. He steamrolled Assuncao submitting him in the first round and then lost a unanimous decision to Cory Sandhagen (2019). Cody Garbrandt was also struggling for form, but the former champion pulled off one of the knockouts of the year back in June last year.
Ricky Simon (18-3) has only lost twice in his last 12 and heads to the APEX hoping to extend his current streak to four. After that controversial submission over the bantamweight bogey man Merab Dvalishvili (2018) and unanimous decisions over Montel Jackson (2018) and Rani Yahya (2019), Simon welcomed Urijah Faber (2019) back from retirement and suffered a shock knockout for his troubles. He then lost a unanimous decision to Rob Font (2019) but he has roared back with wins over Ray Borg (2020), Gaetano Pirrello (2021) and Brian Kelleher (2021)
RAPHAEL ASSUNCAO VS RICKY SIMON PREDICTION
Simon is a tough fight for anyone, let alone being without a win in over three years and not having fought for 18 months. Assuncao has the edge when it comes to experience and jiu-jitsu, but if Simon is on his game, that will count nothing.
Simon is one of the best wrestlers in the division and is also very handy on the feet. He will possess the speed advantage and we expect him to test his boxing against the veteran to begin with anyway.
We expect Simon’s reach and speed advantage to win the striking exchanges and if Simon decides to call upon his wrestling, he can control the rounds and leave the judges in no doubt.
Assuncao is extremely well-rounded and despite the form, he has the nous to make it a very difficult night for Simon. Considering the odds, he is worth a punt, but we are backing the younger contender to overwhelm the Brazilian with his pressure and wrestling in between showing off his improving boxing.
Prediction: Simon via Decision
Value Bet: Assuncao via Decision
