MMA Preview – Virna Jandiroba vs Loopy Godinez at UFC ESPN 54
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VIRNA JANDIROBA VS LOOPY GODINEZ FACTS
When is UFC on ESPN 54? Sunday 31st March, 2024 - 00:00 (UK)
Where is UFC on ESPN 54? Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC on ESPN 54? Click here to buy tickets for UFC on ESPN
What channel is UFC on ESPN 54 on? TNT Sports 1
Where can I stream UFC on ESPN 54? 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!
VIRNA JANDIROBA VS LOOPY GODINEZ LOWDOWN
Unfortunately, we have only seen Virna Jandiroba (19-3) twice since her unanimous decision loss to Amanda Ribas at UFC 267 in 2021. She returned six months later and won a unanimous decision over Angela Hill (2022) but then did not return for another year as she recovered from knee surgery. However, she did not show any signs of rust as she picked up the biggest win of her career outpointing Marina Rodriguez (2023) at UFC 288.
On the other hand, Loopy Godinez (12-3) has been one of the most active fighters on the roster since making her debut in 2021. She has racked up 10 fights already and fought four times last year winning every fight. She outpointed Cynthia Calvillo and Emily Ducote before submitting Elise Reed and then followed that up with a split decision over Tabatha Ricci at UFC 295.
VIRNA JANDIROBA VS LOOPY GODINEZ PREDICTION
Jandiroba has only lost to fighters that can match her grappling. Worryingly for her, Godinez is an exceptional wrestler. She will no doubt swing for the dome to set up the takedown but will have to shoot in with caution as Jandiroba has exceptional jiu-jitsu.
That said, she will not be deterred and will try and pin the Brazilian on her back and rain down the ground-and-pound. Jandiroba is incredibly durable and will not go away. She is very aggressive and will be a threat on the feet despite the lack of technique.
This is not a good match-up for Jandiroba especially when she has been inactive. There is value on her as the underdog, but we expect Godinez’s wrestling to convince the judges.
Prediction: Godinez via Decision
Value bet: Jandiroba to win
