MMA Preview – Raquel Pennington vs Mayra Bueno Silva at UFC 297
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
RAQUEL PENNINGTON VS MAYRA BUENO SILVA FACTS
When is UFC 297? Sunday 21st January, 2023 - 01:00 (UK)
Where is UFC 297? Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Ontario (Canada)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 297? Click here to buy tickets for UFC 297
What channel is UFC 297 on? TNT Sports 1
Where can I stream UFC 297? TNT Sports subscribers can stream the fight online via the TNT Sports website and Discovery+
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!
RAQUEL PENNINGTON VS MAYRA BUENO SILVA LOWDOWN
Raquel Pennington (15-8) has been as inactive as usual, but it has allowed her to steadily climb her way to a title shot. Her last loss was another unanimous decision to Holly Holm (2020) but she has gone on to outpoint Marion Reneau (2020) and Pannie Kianzad (2021) before submitting Macy Chiasson (2021). She has only fought twice since but they were vintage decisions over Aspen Ladd (2022) and Ketlen Vieira (2023).
Mayra Bueno Silva (10-2-1(1)) should be coming off the best win of her career if she did not fail a pre-fight drugs test. It turned out the banned substance came from her ADHD medication, but nonetheless, the submission over Holm back in July has been turned into a ‘no contest’. That would have extended her win streak which includes a unanimous decision over Yanan Wu (2022) and submissions over Stephanie (2022) and Lina Lansberg (2023).
RAQUEL PENNINGTON VS MAYRA BUENO SILVA PREDICTION
This hits home how spoilt we were last year for title fights, but a gritty scrap will unearth a new bantamweight Queen.
Pennington has been waiting a hot minute for this opportunity and will be grateful the belt has been vacated as the only fighters she has lost to in the 10 years has been to previous champions.
We expect her to box, clinch up and leverage her power and wrestling to subdue the weapons of Silva. What makes this interesting is that the Brazilian is getting more dangerous with each fight.
Silva is one of the most dangerous fighters in the division with heavy hands and slick jiu-jitsu. Her offence and finishing ability make her the favourite, but this is a very tough fight for her on paper.
Pennington is incredibly durable and experienced. If she can close the distance without taking much damage, she can suffocate Silva against the fence. However, she will need to put on a pressure for five rounds without making a mistake.
All the value is on a Pennington decision, but we feel Silva’s aggression will make the difference whether that be pouncing on a submission or swaying the judges with her damage on the feet.
Prediction: Silva via Decision
Value bet: Pennington via Decision
