UFC 258 Predictions and Betting Tips Part II

09 February 2021
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Pedro Munhoz

Jimmie Rivera vs. Pedro Munhoz

UFC Bantamweight Bout

Sunday, February 14th, 2021 - 2:05 AM GMT live from the Apex Centre in Las Vegas

Jimmie Rivera

  • Age: 31
  • Nationality: USA
  • Record: 23-4-0
  • Height: 5ft 4"
  • Reach: 68.5"
  • Gym: Tiger Schulmann’s Martial Arts
  • Notable Gym Members: Shane Burgos, Lyman Good & Julio Arce
  • Current Streak: 1 win
  • Wins by KO/TKO: 4
  • Wins by Submission: 2
  • Decision wins: 17

Two top ten UFC bantamweight contenders will collide for a second time during their professional careers. Jimmie Rivera holds the confidence advantage with a split decision victory favouring him from the first meeting with Pedro Munhoz back in 2015.

Rivera has spent his entire career with Tiger Schulmann’s gym. Fighting across major MMA promotions with an undefeated record, he drew the UFC’s attention. Since his arrival, Rivera has defeated all challengers outside of the top five of the division.

The most notable attribute for Rivera would be his defence. His losses to Petr Yan & Aljamain Sterling could only be decided through the judges score-system, thanks to the elite durability and cardio that Rivera possesses.

Pedro Munhoz

  • Age: 35
  • Nationality: USA
  • Record: 16-9-0
  • Height: 6ft"
  • Reach: 79.5"
  • Gym: American Top Team
  • Notable Gym Members: Amanda Nunes, Dustin Poirier & Joanna Jedrzejcyk
  • Current Streak: 2 losses
  • Wins by KO/TKO: 4
  • Wins by Submission: 9
  • Decision wins: 5

The pressure is on for Pedro Munhoz, who's riding a two-fight losing streak. He is now contended with defeating an opponent who has already faced his arsenal.

Since their first encounter, Munhoz has retained a UFC record of 7-3, suffering losses to a similar level of opposition – mainly residing in the top-ten of the division.

A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu background has posed a threat, and Munhoz usually holds the advantage against his opponents in this area, but his knockouts of Cody Garbrandt and Bryan Carraway must be noted.

Fight Prediction

A rematch six years in the making should provide us with two high-level bantamweights fighting for their position in the rankings, but I cannot help siding with the wrestling defence of Rivera allowing this fight to play out on the feet.

While anticipating a closely fought battle, I envision a replay of the first fight but with a more polished version of Rivera. Munhoz aged 34 could be exiting his prime while the 31-year-old Rivera should have one, two strikes extra.

UFC 258 Free Betting Pick: Pedro Munhoz to win at 1.67 (-149) with Paddy Power (visit our Paddy Power Review)

Gillian Robertson vs. Miranda Maverick

UFC Flyweight Bout

Sunday, February 14th, 2021 - 2:05 AM GMT live from the Apex Centre in Las Vegas

Miranda Maverick

  • Age: 23
  • Nationality: USA
  • Record: 8-2-0 (1-0 UFC)
  • Height: 5ft 3"
  • Reach: 65"
  • Gym: The House of Muay Thai
  • Notable Gym Members: N/A
  • Current Streak: 4 wins
  • Wins by KO/TKO: 1
  • Wins by Submission: 5
  • Decision wins: 2

The young but tough Miranda Maverick made her UFC debut in Abu Dhabi in October 2020, as the bookmakers heaviest favourite of the night. All eyes were on the Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, and she lived up to the hype. A round one technical knockout let Maverick remind her foes that the Muay Thai offence is just as dangerous.

Gillian Robertson

  • Age: 25
  • Nationality: Canada
  • Record: 9-5-0 (6-3-0 UFC)
  • Height: 5ft 5"
  • Reach: 63"
  • Gym: Gmblers/Alliance
  • Notable Gym Members: Din Thomas
  • Current Streak: 2 losses
  • Wins by KO/TKO: 7
  • Wins by Submission: 3
  • Decision wins: 3

Another youngster on the UFC roster will welcome Maverick into her first pay-per-view scrap, but the difference maker for Gillian Robertson this weekend will be her UFC experience. Currently 6-3 for the promotion, Robertson has fought some of the division’s toughest competitors. If her ground game or stand-up skill does not match up to the newcomer, her fight IQ could win an advantage.

Fight Prediction

When critics expected Maverick to debut with a submission stoppage, her Muay Thai striking causing an injury was quite a surprise.

Gillian has found comfort in her grappling, and this is going to give Maverick another chance to showcase her striking evolution. Maverick has the skills to defend the grappling of Robertson, I believe the hype will continue for the twenty-three-year-old, with a significant win against Robertson this weekend.

UFC 258 Free Betting Pick: Miranda Maverick at 1.72 [-139] with Bet365 (visit our Bet365 Review)