MMA Preview – Vince Morales vs Drako Rodriguez at UFC 265
VINCE MORALES VS DRAKO RODRIGUEZ FACTS
When is UFC 265? Sunday 8th August, 2021 - 01:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC 265? Toyota Center, Houston, Texas (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 265? Click here to buy tickets for UFC 265
What channel is UFC 265 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC 265? 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!
VINCE MORALES VS DRAKO RODRIGUEZ LOWDOWN
Vince Morales (9-5) is in a slump. He has lost four of his last six and his UFC career could well be on the line here. He made his first UFC appearance in 2018 when he stepped up on short notice to take on Yadong Song who is also on this card. He lost a unanimous decision for a tough debut, but it could have gone a lot worse. He responded by winning a unanimous decision over Aiemann Zahabi to extend his shelf life but he is coming off two more losses to Benito Lopez (unanimous decision) and Chris Gutierrez (TKO).
Drako Rodriguez (7-2) is coming off a loss to the man Morales last beat. He met Zahabi back in February and received a harsh welcome to the UFC in the shape of a stunning straight right hand. It was a brutal first-round knockout which snapped a three-fight win streak including a submission over Leomana Martinez on the Contender Series.
VINCE MORALES VS DRAKO RODRIGUEZ PREDICTION
Morales has to be more aggressive. He has the pressure of getting cut with another loss and if he is tentative in the striking exchanges again, Rodriguez will capitalise. Rodriguez’s knockout was a huge slap of reality and he cannot afford to eat simple straight right hands in the UFC.
Morales is a slick striker and stand-up exchanges should be a very even contest, especially if Rodriguez starts to land his leg kicks. Rodriguez also has wrestling in the locker, and he could take the fight away from Morales with a few takedowns.
We feel we have not seen the best out of Morales and he has to show a more proactive version of himself to save his UFC career. As the odds suggest this will be a close fight and is a tough one to call.
Prediction: Morales via Decision - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
