The UFC returns to our screens for another talent-stacked fight card from the Apex Center in Las Vegas. Top-ranked women’s bantamweight contenders Holly Holm and Ketlen Vieira will meet in the center of the octagon for next weekend’s main event.
Read on for our complete betting guide taking a first look at Holm and Vieira, including updated UFC odds and our free expert UFC betting picks, predictions, and analysis.
Holly Holm vs. Ketlen Vieira
UFC Women’s Bantamweight Main Event Bout
Saturday, May 21, 2022 – 10:00 PM EDT at the UFC Apex
Holly Holm (Record: 14-5-0)
The 'Preachers Daughter' Holly Holm built a legacy that became unforgettable when she head-kicked the undefeated Ronda Rousey into an unconscious state and claimed the UFC bantamweight title.
Holm became the first female to overcome the legendary Ronda Rousey, but the time’s have changed, and we’re now looking at a 40-year-old Holm who’s been absent from the cage for nearly two years.
A shocking defeat to be remembered in women's history until the test of time, de-crowning Ronda wasn’t a predictable outcome. Still, the evolution of takedown defense had surrendered the dangerous submission expertise of Ronda.
Reminiscent of the downfall of UFC 1 competitor Royce Gracie and how his unique jiu-jitsu style was unbeatable until it wasn’t.
Holly Holm is still attempting to make waves in MMA today. Although she isn’t as active inside the octagon as she once was, Holm is still ranked as the No.4 women’s bantamweight globally, and she’s on a 2-fight win streak with her only career losses coming against former or current champions.
What Are Holly Holm's MMA Accomplishments?
- UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship (One time)
- UFC Fight of the Night (Two times)
- UFC Performance of the Night (Two times)
- LFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship (One time, first)
Holly Holm Best Available Odds: To Win ML (-205) at BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review)
Ketlen Vieira (Record: 12-2-0)
Owning black belts in both Jiu-Jitsu and Judo, lifelong martial artist Ketlen Vieira was destined to display her skillset on the grandest stage of them all under the UFC spotlights. Since her UFC debut in 2016, a 6-2 record has been compiled before her dominance on the Brazilian MMA regional scene.
Vieira became a Brazilian national wrestling champion with a background in multiple grappling-based disciplines. Since competing in MMA, she’s been under the watchful eye of Marcinho Pontes – most known for training the legendary Jose Aldo.
Losses on her UFC record to Irene Aldana and Yana Kunitskaya have stunned Vieira’s path towards title contention. Still, a recent victory over former champion Miesha Tate, combined with a victory next weekend, could label the Brazilian as “The Legend Killer”.
Overcoming the experience and expertise of Holm won’t be a simple task, but if achieved, Vieira won’t be far from title contention.
What Are Ketlen Vieira's MMA Accomplishments?
- Mr. Cage Women’s Bantamweight Champion (One time)
Ketlen Vieira Available Odds: To Win ML (+175) at BetOnline
UFC Vegas 55: Holm vs. Vieira Breakdown and Analysis
How Can Holm Defeat Vieira?
Holm’s boxing accolades are extensive, and they assisted her transition to mixed martial arts in a huge way. The footwork of Holm is top-tier, and she’s been known to dictate a 25-minute fight with her jab and lateral movement alone.
She’ll rarely throw single shots as it’s a combination or nothing from “The Preachers Daughter”, who can pressure from the outside of counter strike in the pocket.
In addition to her quick hands and elite footwork, Holm has some of the best kicks in women’s MMA. Her sidekicks will always come into play, and if the opponent wants to stand square and attempt to pressure - they better expect a push kick coming their way.
The problem I have is her age and lack of activity, Holm hasn’t shown signs of slowing down, but we haven’t seen her inside the octagon since 2020 on Fight Island. These variables thrown into the mix create a difficult Holm to rely on, although I believe she is the superior fighter compared to 95% of the women’s bantamweight division.
How Can Vieira Defeat Holm?
Vieira’s best work is always achieved when she can obtain a takedown or trip and take control of the ground. Naturally, her expertise in grappling has been a key to most of her MMA successes.
Viera found success when standing with Miesha Tate, but her straight jab will not be a problem for Holm to solve. In addition, Holm will match the 5-foot 8-inch stature that assisted the Brazilian in her striking success against Tate.
Tate managed to find underhooks and control Viera against the cage at times, a position where Holm has thrived, so she’ll want to be cautious when being pressured. Ultimately, I believe the betting underdog will need to employ an all-out grappling offense to overcome Holm.
Holly Holm vs. Ketlen Vieira Betting Prediction
The oddsmakers favor Holm despite her age and absence from the cage, and I agree. Until we witness a decline from Holm, we can’t justify the added variables such as a career decline and time spent away from the octagon.
With that said, I believe the most comfortable betting approach will come in, expecting this fight to go the distance. Neither woman has proved to be a dangerous finisher in recent years; we should expect a technical battle from round one to round five, therefore leading us to a judge’s decision.
If you are going to wager on Holm, avoid the displeasure of these current moneyline odds and take “The Preachers Daughter” to win by decision for your UFC picks.
UFC Vegas 55 Final Result Prediction: Holly Holm Wins by Decision.
UFC Vegas 55 Pick: Fight Goes the Distance - Yes (-230) [2.3u returns 1u profit] at BetOnline
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.
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