UFC on ESPN+ 25: Anderson vs. Blachowicz 2 (Fedruary 15, 2020)

[THE_LOCKSMITH]

ESPN+ 8:00 pm ET
Corey Anderson vs Jan Blachowicz
Michel Pereira vs Diego Sanchez
Devin Clark vs Dequan townsend
Montana De La Rosa vs Mara Romero Borella
Kazula Vargas vs Brok weaver
Yancy Medeiros vs Lando Vannata

ESPN+ 5:00 pm ET
Tim Means vs Daniel Rodriquez
John Dodson vs Nathaniel Wood
Scott Holtzman vs Jim Miller
Rogerio Bontorin vs Ray Borg
Merab Dvalishvili vs Casey Kenney
Macy Chiasson vs Nicco Montano
Mark De La Rosa vs Raulian Paiva

[Unwritten Law]

Early leans:

Corey Anderson: He dominated their first fight in 2015 and I think Corey has improved a bit more since their last fight adding some solid standup to his wrestling arsenal. It wasn't close last time and i expect Corey to win via stoppage this second time around.

Michel Pereira: Love this dude's aerobatic ability and if he doesn't showboat and expend unnecessary energy he should find success in the fight itself. He'll be fighting in another hostile environment in NM as Sanchez will be the home crowd favorite. I see a stoppage for Pereira here as he will be the faster and stronger fighter. Diego undoubtedly has a ton of heart but I think he gets overwhelmed here.

Lando Vannata: Wrong fighter favored. I think Vannata should be -150 here as Yancy is coming in with 2 devastating KO losses in a row and prior to that he was in a total war against Oliveira that took a lot out of him. Until he proves he can get back in the win column I'll be fading Yancy each time.

Nathaniel Wood: 3 straight submission wins to start off his UFC career while Dodson is on the decline. I don't know if the Magician has any tricks left as he's probably just here to collect checks nowadays. Wood has the edge just about everywhere and several paths to win and wouldn't be surprised to see him pull Dodson's hair and sink in a rear naked choke and deal his first loss by sub.

Casey Kenney: Another interesting dog here as I thought Kenney would have been the favorite. He's looked solid since coming to the UFC from LFA. Odds should be much closer to even, IMO. His 2 wins were against quality opponents in Borg/Burmudez. Lots of value here. Give me the 2 division weight champion!

Macy Chiasson: Thought she had a fluke loss in her last fight. She gets back on the winning track here with a likely decision win.

[bitcoinLuke]

Vannata is one of the most overrated fighters in UFC history . He had one good rd against Tony 4 years ago and has went 2-3-2 since against weak competition.

[Sanity Check]

History flashback!

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.
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Nicco Montano Claims Valentina Shevchenko Is Scared To Fight Her

By
Jon Fuentes -

Sep 11, 2018

Valentina Shevchenko has been very vocal about the events that transpired at UFC 228 fight week.

Initially, Shevchenko was expected to co-main event the pay-per-view (PPV) opposite Nicco Montano for the UFC women’s flyweight title. Unfortunately, Montano suffered complications during her weight-cut and was subsequently hospitalized.

She was deemed medically unfit to compete and removed from the card. Shevchenko, however, wasn’t buying it. She believes Montano was searching for a way out of their fight all along.

Shevchenko even foreshadowed these events happening with some comments during media day. “The Bullet,” said she’ll believe the fight is happening when Montano actually makes the walk to the Octagon. As we all know, that walk never happened.

Montano has finally offered her side of the story in a recent interview on “The MMA Hour.” She said that she believes Shevchenko was hoping for something like this because she’s scared to fight someone like her (quotes via MMA Mania):

“I think she lives in la la land for a reason. I think she really wanted that to happen, unless she’s another Mrs. Cleo and has a (psychic) job, because she’s good at that.
“But I think she was hoping for it. I think she’s a little scared to fight somebody like me. I think deep down she was hoping this fight was not going to happen so that she could have more ammo to be a cyber bully and she wouldn’t have to face me in the Octagon.”

https://www.lowkickmma.com/nicco-montano-claims-valentina-shevchenko-is-scared-to-fight-her/

[Hugo de Naranja]

Vannata is one of the most overrated fighters in UFC history . He had one good rd against Tony 4 years ago and has went 2-3-2 since against weak competition.

BTC Luke knows what's up

[JIBBBY]

Suspect card. Not very excited about the match ups.. I will bet and watch though as always..

[PaperTrail07]

Have to think means ends up -350-75......load up here IMO

[Unwritten Law]

Vannata's last 5 opponents:

Marc Diakiese 14-3
Marcos Mariano 6-6
Matt Frevola 8-1
Drakkar Klose 11-1
Bobby Green 24-10

I think Mariano was the only weak competition and Vannata has been active fighting twice in 2019, twice in 2018, twice in 2017, and three times in 2016. Whereas Medeiros got smashed 3 fights in a row despite him beating Olivera. He's been dealing with injuries and has fought only twice in the past two years coming into this fight with 2 straight KO losses.

[Sanity Check]

Medeiros got smashed 3 fights in a row despite him beating Olivera.

Yancy fought a crazy 3 round war with Alex Oliveira.

Returned 2 months later vs Cowboy Cerrone. 2 months may not be enough time to 100% recover.

Then he faced wrestling specialist Gregor Gillespie and had no answer for the wrestle game.

There's the flipside. If you want it.

[bitcoinLuke]

History flashback!

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.
.

Nicco Montano Claims Valentina Shevchenko Is Scared To Fight Her

By
Jon Fuentes -

Sep 11, 2018

Valentina Shevchenko has been very vocal about the events that transpired at UFC 228 fight week.

Initially, Shevchenko was expected to co-main event the pay-per-view (PPV) opposite Nicco Montano for the UFC women’s flyweight title. Unfortunately, Montano suffered complications during her weight-cut and was subsequently hospitalized.

She was deemed medically unfit to compete and removed from the card. Shevchenko, however, wasn’t buying it. She believes Montano was searching for a way out of their fight all along.

Shevchenko even foreshadowed these events happening with some comments during media day. “The Bullet,” said she’ll believe the fight is happening when Montano actually makes the walk to the Octagon. As we all know, that walk never happened.

Montano has finally offered her side of the story in a recent interview on “The MMA Hour.” She said that she believes Shevchenko was hoping for something like this because she’s scared to fight someone like her (quotes via MMA Mania):

“I think she lives in la la land for a reason. I think she really wanted that to happen, unless she’s another Mrs. Cleo and has a (psychic) job, because she’s good at that.
“But I think she was hoping for it. I think she’s a little scared to fight somebody like me. I think deep down she was hoping this fight was not going to happen so that she could have more ammo to be a cyber bully and she wouldn’t have to face me in the Octagon.”

https://www.lowkickmma.com/nicco-montano-claims-valentina-shevchenko-is-scared-to-fight-her/

Just saw Nicco is injured and off the card

[Sanity Check]

Everyone saying MMA fighters need to be judges.

Stephen Thompson got robbed when he fought Darren Till.

All 3 judges were MMA fighters from the UK.

It won't solve anything.

[JIBBBY]

Everyone saying MMA fighters need to be judges.

Stephen Thompson got robbed when he fought Darren Till.

All 3 judges were MMA fighters from the UK.

It won't solve anything.

How about no judges at all, no time limits on fights.. Fight til one fighter quits on the stool or gets finished. .. I think UFC 1 had no time limits in the early day fights if I remember correctly?

[Unwritten Law]

Maybe revert back to 3 round title fights so they are inclined to actually fight...or reduce cage dimensions.

[Demonata]

Suspect card. Not very excited about the match ups.. I will bet and watch though as always..

Better card than the jones card imo

[WolfTicketDealer]

Anyone know if this card is going to have a smaller cage? Feel like it's a possibility given the venue size.

[JIBBBY]

Prelim write ups.. MMAMANIA



125 lbs.: Rogerio Bontorin vs. Ray Borg

Rogerio Bontorin (16-1) punched his UFC ticket with an impressive submission on “Contender Series,” then defied considerable odds to edge Magomed Bibulatov in his promotional debut. This set up an all-Brazilian clash with Raulian Paiva, which saw almost three minutes of action before Bontorin opened a fight-ending cut on his foe.
Eleven of his 14 stoppage victories have come by submission.
One misfortune after another kept Ray Borg (12-4) out of action from Oct. 2017 to March 2019, when he lost a razor-thin split decision to late replacement Casey Kenney in Philadelphia. “The Tazmexican Devil” worked his way back into the win column four months later with a decision over undefeated prospect Gabriel Silva for his first victory in 28 months.
He faces a four-inch reach discrepancy.
Scramble fans rejoice — all signs point to this turning into a super-mobile ground battle between two elite grapplers. Both of these men are as technically savvy as they are aggressive, and the momentum figures to change hands staggeringly often as they trade position. Though likely a coin flip, this seems to just favor Borg, who’s found takedown success against a bevy of quality scramblers in the Octagon.
Borg strikes me as the stronger wrestler and is more than good enough to stay out of submission trouble should he end up on the bottom. A few more minutes of top control carry him to an entertaining victory.
Prediction: Borg via unanimous decision
Related
Borg To Leave MMA If He Misses Weight Again

135 lbs.: Casey Kenney vs. Merab Dvalishvili

Two tries on “Contender Series” weren’t enough to get Casey Kenney (13-1) a contract, as he won a decision over Cee Jay Hamilton and dropped a narrow one to Adam Antolin one month later. After winning the LFA interim Bantamweight title, Kenney joined UFC in March, upsetting Ray Borg on an eight-day turnaround and doing the same to the far larger Manny Bermudez five months later.
He’s tapped four opponents and knocked out another two.
Despite some strong efforts, Merab Dvalishvili (9-4) struggled to find his first Octagon victory, losing a contentious split decision to Frankie Saenz and falling to Ricky Simon via literal last-second guillotine choke. He finally got on the board with a decision over Terrion Ware, then handed The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) winner Brad Katona his first-ever loss last May.
Though Kenney has competed at Flyweight, Dvalishvili faces height and reach disadvantages.
Dvalishvili is walking proof that hyper-specialization is still a valid strategy in mixed martial arts (MMA), provided that said hyper-specialization is wrestling. He’s a delightful blend of wild, improvisational striking and borderline unstoppable takedowns, and despite Kenney’s grappling pedigree, it’s hard not to see him getting manhandled by a heavier, stronger grinding artist.
Kenney admittedly acquitted himself well against a much larger grappler in Bermudez last time out, but he’s far less likely to find success taking Dvalishvili down or getting anything going off of his back. So long as Dvalishvili doesn’t leave his neck out the way he did against Simón, expect him to rack up another half-dozen takedowns as he grinds Kenney into oblivion.
Prediction: Dvalishvili via unanimous decision
Related
Free Fight! Anderson Goes Beast Mode On Walker

135 lbs.: Macy Chiasson vs. Shanna Young

Macy Chiasson’s (5-1) rampage through TUF 28 and trio of dominant Octagon victories had her on the brink of contender status when she stepped into the cage against Lina Lansberg in Aug. 2019. Despite a strong start and -450 odds, Chiasson would ultimately drop a unanimous decision after struggling with her foe’s striking prowess.
She has knocked out and submitted two pro foes apiece.
Shanna Young (7-2) bounced back from her first professional loss with two straight stoppage wins to earn a spot on “Contender Series,” where she fell to Sarah Alpar by second-round submission. “The Shanimal” then tried her hand in Invicta’s “Phoenix Series” Bantamweight tournament, tapping to eventual winner Miranda Maverick in the second round.
She replaces the injured Nicco Montano (details) on less than a week’s notice.
Chiasson’s loss to Lansberg raised questions about her ability to deal with opponents she can’t just physically bulldoze. Montano, though not the biggest in the division, figured to at least have the technical skill to avoid getting rag-dolled. Not sure I can say the same for Young; beyond being a natural Flyweight facing one of the most imposing Bantamweights on the roster, she’s neither difficult to hit or difficult to take down.
Not a good set of weaknesses to sport against Chiasson.
Even the Chiasson who floundered against Lansberg should have no trouble here. Whether through mauling her against the fence or pounding her out, she puts Young away in the opening minutes.
Prediction: Chiasson via first-round technical knockout
Related
Montano Injured, Pulled From UFC Rio Rancho

125 lbs.: Mark De La Rosa vs. Raulian Paiva

Mark De Las Rosa (11-3) bounced back from a debut loss to Tim Elliott with two consecutive Octagon victories, including a split decision over veteran Joby Sanchez. He’s yet to taste victory since, dropping decisions to Alex Perez and Kai Kara-France.
“The Bumblebee” has tapped five professional opponents via rear-naked choke.
Raulian Paiva (18-3) brought a 12-fight win streak into his Octagon debut, capped by a split decision over Allan Nascimento on “Contender Series.” He is still chasing his first Octagon win, having lost a razor-thin decision to Kai Kara-France and suffered a gruesome cut against Rogerio Bontorin.
He’ll have two inches of height and 4.5 inches of reach on De La Rosa.
It’s hard not to feel for Paiva, who’s far more talented than his 0-2 Octagon record would suggest. I had him winning the Kara-France fight and the Bontorin brawl ended before it could really get going. Luckily, he has a far more winnable assignment here. In my New Blood piece on him, I described Paiva as “built to destroy grapplers,” boasting terrific takedown defense and scrambling ability; considering how badly he has De La Rosa outgunned on the feet and how much the latter has struggled to implement his wrestling against top competition, I’m thinking the Brazilian finally gets into the UFC win column.
De La Rosa is admittedly adept in transition, and him snagging Paiva’s neck mid-scramble isn’t out of the question. It’s far more likely that Paiva sprawls-and-brawls him to death, though, picking up momentum as the fight progresses en route to a wide decision.
Prediction: Paiva via unanimous decision



170 lbs.: Tim Means vs. Daniel Rodriguez

Tim Means’ (29-11-1) brutally efficient Welterweight run gave way to a 1-3 skid, including razor-thin losses to Belal Muhammad and Sergio Moraes alongside a come-from-behind knockout loss to Niko Price. He got back on track this in Dec. 2019 with a guillotine finish of Thiago Alves, just the fifth submission victory of his career.
“The Dirty Bird” has scored 19 knockout wins as a professional.
Daniel Rodriguez (10-1) put together a four-fight win streak to earn a “Contender Series” slot opposite Rico Farrington in July 2019. Despite facing height and reach disadvantages, he utilized aggression and well-timed takedowns to claim a decision, albeit not one that earned him a contract.
“D-Rod” steps in for Ramazan Emeev on three weeks’ notice.
If Rodriguez decides to stand and trade with Means — as he seemed happy to do for most of his fight with Farrington despite scoring easy takedowns — he’s screwed. He overcommits badly to his overhand left, leaving his head wide open as he stumbles, and had all sorts of trouble getting inside when Farrington committed to keeping a jab in his face. Means is more than technically savvy enough to take Rodriguez apart in any prolonged exchange.
Where Rodriguez does have a shot is with his ground game, as he’s adept at passing to mount and unleashing heavy punches from there. Historically, though, Means has been extremely difficult to hold down, so Rodriguez will end up trading punches whether he wants to or not. “The Dirty Bird” dissects him for a mid-round mercy stoppage.
Prediction: Means via second-round technical knockout
Related
Pic: UFC ‘Rio Rancho’ Poster Drops!

135 lbs.: John Dodson vs. Nathaniel Wood

John Dodson (20-11) The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 14 Bantamweight winner, started his UFC career 5-1 with a narrow loss to Demetrious Johnson as the only blemish. He is just 3-5 since, currently riding a two-fight losing streak courtesy of Jimmie Rivera and Petr Yan.
He’ll give up three inches each of height and reach to Nathaniel Wood (16-3).
Four consecutive knockout wins under the Cage Warriors banner secured Wood two successful defenses of its Bantamweight title and a UFC berth. He’s been similarly dominant in the Octagon, choking out Johnny Eduardo, Andre Ewell and Jose Alberto Quinonez.
Fourteen of his wins have come inside the distance, eight of them by form of knockout.
Dodson’s collapse has less to do with physical decline or fighting above his ideal weight and more to do with the fact that he never evolved. He’s the same low-output, one-handed banger who floored T.J. Dillashaw eight years ago, offering little besides his booming overhand left. That’s not to say that can’t win him this fight — we’ve seen Wood badly hurt before and “The Prospect” can’t lean on his wrestling the way he has in previous Octagon appearances.
Still, Wood’s length and far more versatile striking arsenal look like more than the aging “Magician” can handle. His chances of winning comfortably from the outside outweigh Dodson’s chances of finding a one-hitter quitter.
Prediction: Wood via unanimous decision
Related
Free Fight! Anderson Goes Beast Mode On Walker

155 lbs.: Jim Miller vs. Scott Holtzman

An ongoing battle with Lyme disease and some high-level competition combined to produce a four-fight skid for Jim Miller (31-13), who’d previously won three straight. He now finds himself on a 3-1 run, all three wins coming by submission.
He’s tapped 17 professional opponents during his 14-year career.
Scott Holtzman (13-3) took some time to find his footing in the Octagon, opening his run 2-2, but now finds himself 4-1 in his last five. The current stretch includes an upset knockout of Alan Patrick and a terrific back-and-forth war with Dong Hyun Ma in his most recent effort last August.
“Hot Sauce” is the taller man by one inch, but will give up two inches of reach.
Holtzman’s wrestling prowess seems frustratingly inconsistent. He went from completely shutting down Patrick’s takedown offense to surrendering five to Lentz — he can’t afford to have similarly porous defense against Miller, whose top game remains potent enough to trouble top-tier Lightweights.
If Miller’s decline had more to do with wear and age than an enterprising tick, Holtzman’s physical superiority may be enough to earn him the win. Considering what it’s historically taken to knock Miller out and the fact that, outside of Diego Sanchez in 2016, Miller hasn’t lost to a sub-top-15 fighter in his whole career, I say Miller turns the clock back one more time.
Prediction: Miller via first-round submission

[JIBBBY]

Better card than the jones card imo

Actually I stand corrected, now that I'm capping the event the fights are legit.. MY BAD with my earlier above post.. I do like the prelim fights..

[JIBBBY]

Fading Diego Sanchez is a good idea..He's old and His chin is shot these days. He should be in Bellator at this point.. Pereira is young (26 years old) and hits hard..https://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Michel-Pereira-135705

Pending2/15/20 10:00pm MMA Props Fighting 1133 Pereira wins by TKO/KO -118* vs Any other result

[Pinoy-T-X]

Most likely home cooking will be at its finest come fight night.

[ReBEL`LiON]

Most likely home cooking will be at its finest come fight night.

Last time they were in New Mexico Diego Sanchez got a judges decision over Ross Pearson while he got his face jabbed into Hamburger meat.

[ReBEL`LiON]

What’s up everyone, I haven’t logged in here in years. About 10 years it looks like. I’ve been on Sherdog betting forum mainly. Doesn’t seem like many people here were interested in MMA anymore, which most people aren’t.

Anyways, I just started up an MMA podcast for anyone who is an avid fan of betting MMA. Just search up Rent Free MMA Podcast on whatever platform you can think of including YouTube of course.

My leans on this card, not strong. There are some overs I believe will hit but they’re juiced the f out at -350 to -460. That’s ridiculous and would never recommend that.

As of what’s left over, I’ll just be slim picking a few that has any type of value. Not confident but..

Paiva by dec -110. Both common opponents in Kai Kara makes be believe Paiva is a bit on a higher plane. He’s got a pressuring style and is ready to trigger counter any lazy jabs you throw at him with overhand rights and using his length. Anytime Kai tried to jab him he countered with 3-4 straight rights. He also gets hit a lot but at 125, not many have the power to put him away so the trade off is that he is more offensively minded (despite the lack of finishes). DLR seems too small and unathletic. Tough guy tho.

Jim Miller dec prop +365 has my bet. I think these two are in the same bracket Holtzman and him. Same age. That line holds a lot of value and should be a VERY close fight. I can see a split happening but Jim should have the advantage if it hits the floor. He’s got his Lyme disease under control and Holtzman tends to get himself into close fights all the time. He is a tough SOB, so is Jim. Give me the value odds.

[209 Life]

Nobody gonna watch BKFC 10?

[63M1N1]

Is Borg out or?

[turbozed]

A few dog plays this time around. Diego +145, Dodson +150, and Borella +160. Got in on a few favorites early Corey -140, Paiva -175, and Weaver -195.

Merab is a favorite that's still bettable imo.

O/Us: Corey/Jan O4.5 -105 and Chiasson/Young U1.5 +120

[Thrilla]

UFC Rio Rancho: Weigh-ins + Faceoffs

Corey Anderson, Jan Blachowicz and the rest of the Fight Night Rio Rancho athletes weighed in on Friday morning.

The UFC Rio Rancho fighters faced off after weighing in on Friday morning.

[BIGDAY]

It’s FIGHT NIGHT!!!

[UncleChael]

Bruce Buffer: IT'S TIMEEEEEE
LET'S GO COREY ANDERSON!
(Beastin' 25/8)!!!

[unitedlad]

What’s up everyone, I haven’t logged in here in years. About 10 years it looks like. I’ve been on Sherdog betting forum mainly. Doesn’t seem like many people here were interested in MMA anymore, which most people aren’t.

Anyways, I just started up an MMA podcast for anyone who is an avid fan of betting MMA. Just search up Rent Free MMA Podcast on whatever platform you can think of including YouTube of course.

My leans on this card, not strong. There are some overs I believe will hit but they’re juiced the f out at -350 to -460. That’s ridiculous and would never recommend that.

As of what’s left over, I’ll just be slim picking a few that has any type of value. Not confident but..

Paiva by dec -110. Both common opponents in Kai Kara makes be believe Paiva is a bit on a higher plane. He’s got a pressuring style and is ready to trigger counter any lazy jabs you throw at him with overhand rights and using his length. Anytime Kai tried to jab him he countered with 3-4 straight rights. He also gets hit a lot but at 125, not many have the power to put him away so the trade off is that he is more offensively minded (despite the lack of finishes). DLR seems too small and unathletic. Tough guy tho.

Jim Miller dec prop +365 has my bet. I think these two are in the same bracket Holtzman and him. Same age. That line holds a lot of value and should be a VERY close fight. I can see a split happening but Jim should have the advantage if it hits the floor. He’s got his Lyme disease under control and Holtzman tends to get himself into close fights all the time. He is a tough SOB, so is Jim. Give me the value odds.

Nice podcast man,good honest breakdown of fights. Will continue to listen.

[UncleChael]

I got Anderson ITD +187.

[Hugo de Naranja]

UFC Fight Night on ESPN+ 25: Anderson vs. Blachowicz 2 Picks:
Raulian Paiva Unanimous Decision (30-27 x2, 29-28)
Macy Chiasson Round 1 TKO (Punches)
Merab Dvalishvili Unanimous Decision (29-28 x3)
Devin Clark Unanimous Decision (30-27 x3)
Scott Holtzman Unanimous Decision (30-27 x3)
Nathaniel Wood Unanimous Decision (30-27 x2, 29-28)
Tim Means Round 1 TKO (Punches)
Yancy Medeiros Round 2 Submission (Guillotine Choke)
Rogerio Bontorin Unanimous Decision (29-28 x3)
Brok Weaver Unanimous Decision (30-27 x3)
Montana De La Rosa Round 2 Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)
Michel Pereira Round 1 KO (Punch)
Corey Anderson Unanimous Decision (50-45 x3)

[wlulaxer]

Good luck Hugo, thanks as always for sharing your thoughts, much appreciated

[Hugo de Naranja]

Good luck Hugo, thanks as always for sharing your thoughts, much appreciated

Good luck to you to sir!

[Sanity Check]

Macy Chiasson could have thrown that last fight vs Lina Lansberg.

Via the low percentage silly stuff she went for--trying to roll out of bad positions, and uncharacteristically low fight IQ.

Hope she loses.

[JC2008]

This is terrible.. Where is everybody?

[frankieunits2685]

I Think I’m going to throw a Unit on yancy