UFC On ESPN 49 “Holm Vs Bueno Silva” + Weekly MMA Report
UFC 290 was probably the best card of 2023. We’ve seen many high-level stoppages and toe-to-toe wars. The Fight of the Night award went into the hands of Alexandre Pantoja and Brandon Moreno, who participated in a top-notch five-round slugfest, where the Brazilian edged the former Mexican champ out for a split decision win.
The Performance of the Night awards was a bit surprising. Despite Jessie Aguilar turning the lights out on Shannon Ross very quickly, the UFC was not impressed. The POTN awards were given to Dricus du Plessis, who destroyed the former UFC 185-pound champ Robert Whittaker with a second-round TKO, and Denise Gomes, who pulled out a massive upset with a lightning-fast victory over Yasmin Jauregui.
BOOK THE TITLE SHOT @DricusduPlessis finishes Rob Whittaker in the second at #UFC290! pic.twitter.com/8rArC8mdRX
— UFC (@ufc) July 9, 2023
The fastest finish in strawweight HISTORY
Denise Gomes just made a statement at #UFC290! pic.twitter.com/OW6u14pkKv
— UFC (@ufc) July 9, 2023
UFC On ESPN 49 Announcement
UFC on ESPN 49 doesn’t look too promising on the piece of paper but never judge the book by its cover. Yes, many believe it is going to be just another regular event in the UFC Apex, but you never know – the card is stacked with many young prospects.
Image source: @UFCBrasil Twitter
The former UFC 135-pound champion Holly Holm will headline the contest against an extremely dangerous opponent from Brazil, Mayra Bueno Silva.
Holly Holm used to be a pure striker, but she modified her fighting style a lot under the guidance of Mike Winkeljohn and Greg Jackson. Now she is an all-around fighter with excellent wrestling and striking. Mayra Bueno Silva is known for landing big counters, feinting, and tactical expertise. One way or another, this fight could last for five rounds. Holly is known for excellent cardio and pushing the pace, so she should get the advantage.
Prediction: over 2.5 rounds
The co-main event looks fun too. Dangerous striker with excellent top control and ground-and-pound shots, Albert Duraev, will square off against very powerful Korean Jun Yong Park. Park is known for eating shots and marching forward, his chin is made of granite. Yet, Duraev’s technical aspect of the game could give him an edge in the upcoming fight. This could turn into a three-round all-around war.
Prediction: over 2.5 rounds
UFC On ESPN 49 Full Fight Card
Please take a look at the UFC on ESPN 49 full fight card below. Many interesting names will lock horns inside the Octagon on Saturday.
Main Card (ESPN/ESPN+, 10 PM ET, 3 AM UK time)
Bantamweight: Holly Holm (15-6-0) vs. Mayra Bueno Silva (10-2-1)
Middleweight: Albert Duraev (16-4-0) vs. Jun Yong Park (16-5-0)
Heavyweight: Walt Harris (13-10-0) vs. Josh Parisian (15-6-0)
Featherweight: Norma Dumont (9-2-0) vs. Chelsea Chandler (5-1-0)
Lightweight: Ottman Azaitar (13-1-0) vs. Francisco Prado (11-1-0)
Lightweight: Terrance McKinney (13-5-0) vs. Nazim Sadykhov (8-1-0)
Preliminary Card (ESPN/ESPN+, 7 PM ET, midnight UK time)
Bantamweight: Ashlee Evans-Smith (6-5-0) vs. Ailin Perez (7-2-0)
Flyweight: Tyson Nam (21-13-1) vs. Azat Maksum (16-0-0)
Lightweight: Carl Deaton III (17-6-0) vs. Alex Munoz (6-2-0)
Lightweight: Genaro Valdéz (10-2-0) vs. Evan Elder (7-2-0)
Strawweight: Istela Nunes (6-4-0) vs. Viktoriya Dudakova (6-0-0)
Featherweight: Austin Lingo (9-2-0) vs. Melquizael Costa (19-6-0)
Featherweight: Tucker Lutz (12-3-0) vs. Melsik Baghdasaryan (7-2-0)
UFC On ESPN 49 Predictions
Please take a look at the full fight card predictions in the playlist below.
A wise man once said – never judge the book by its cover. The event might lack star power, but there are many high-quality grapplers and strikers on this card. Please sit next to your watching device at 7 PM ET on Saturday and give it a shot!
