One of the biggest upsets in UFC history gets a sequel this weekend as women’s Bantamweight champion Julianna Pena, looks to make it 2-0 against the woman largely considered the best to ever do it, Amanda Nunes. In the co-main Brandon Moreno meet Kai Kara-France for the interim Flyweight title. Also on the card, Alexandre Pantoja meets Alex Perez in a fascinating contest and Light Heavyweight prospect Magomed Ankalaev faces Anthony Smith as he storms towards a potential title shot. Let’s look at the key matchups on the card below.
UFC 277 Preview & Betting Tips
Julianna Pena vs. Amanda Nunes
Julianna Pena did exactly what she said she would do to claim the belt when she beat Amanda Nunes. She walked her down, got in her face and made her gas out. One thing I have never liked about Nunes is her attitude and although it sounds brutal, she has always shown a tendency to crack when under pressure. The Lioness almost always can just walk down her foe and put them away but when she has to go into deep water, she has shown she is often the one who drowns. What I really haven’t liked since her loss also is the excuses she has made as I hoped she would put her head down, focus on her cardio and really move forward but instead blamed injuries and a disjointed training camp.
Despite all of that I still find it hard to see how she loses again to Pena. Pena is all heart but is far from highly skilled. I expect Nunes to walk away with a knockout victory but with the odds as they are I won’t be betting as there are too many questions to answer and too much I don’t like about how Nunes has reacted following her defeat.
Tip: No bet
Brandon Moreno vs. Kai Kara-France
When these two met just shy of two years ago Kai Kara-France got off to a hot start before Brandon Moreno managed to take over, outworking him on route to a decision win. While both fighters have come on leaps and bounds since their first encounter, Moreno reclaimed the title and personally I believe he should still have the belt. His striking and head movement is now at an elite level and has a ground game to submit anyone in the division. Kara-France is a top striker but has shown weaknesses on the ground and I just don’t think he has the tools to beat the Mexican.
Simply put, while I would love to back Kara-France to get it done I cannot tip against Moreno as I see him after this fight reclaiming the belt and holding it for years to come.
Brandon Moreno to Win
$1.47 (4 Units
Alex Morono vs. Matthew Semelsberger
Matthew Semelsberger is a finisher, with seven finishes in his ten professional wins. His boxing speed mixed with power is dangerous for any man let alone a slugger like Alex Morono. Morono has managed to get away with a lack of wrestling due to sneaky jiu jitsu skills and being able to overwhelm opponents with sheer output on the feet. However, the crispness of Semelsberger’s striking should exploit Morono’s glaring weaknesses. I find it hard to see Morono not getting caught overswinging and being put to sleep.
Matthew Semelsberger to Win by KO or Submission
$3.20 (4 Units)
