Deiveson Figueiredo vs Joseph Benavidez
When: Saturday, July 18th, 2020
Where: UFC Fight Island,
Yas Island
TV: UFC Fight Pass
Betting Odds: Lines&Odds
We have another solid card this weekend in the UFC with Fight Night July 18th from Fight Island outside Abu Dhabi. The main event will be a rematch between Deiveson Figueiredo and Josep Benavidez – a fight that was in jeopardy after the former tested positive for COVID-19 last week. Follow-up tests revealed he has been carrying the antibodies for the coronavirus after being case positive over two months ago.
After missing his chance to take home the flyweight title in February, underdog Benavidez could be in a better position this time around. Figueiredo scored a second round KO against Benavidez at Fight Night 169 in February, but was ineligible for the flyweight title as he missed the weight limit by 2.5 pounds. Assuming both fighters make weight this time, Saturday’s rematch between the division’s two top-ranked fighters will decide the flyweight title. Figueiredo comes in as the big -225 favorite according to Bovada Sportsbook, with Benavidez returning +175.
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Figueiredo stopped Benavidez with a controversial second round KO at Fight Night 169 in February, moments after an accidental head-butt badly cut Benavidez. Figueiredo is a strong striker who lands more significant strikes (52 percent compared to Benavidez’s 33 percent), but really excels in his grappling ability. Figueiredo averages 1.86 takdowns per 15 minutes with an accuracy of 50 percent and a submission average per 15 minutes of 2.27. He is reported to have completely recovered from an earlier bout with Covid-19 and has been deemed healthy and fit to fight.
UFC Live Odds
Deiveson Figueiredo -225
Joseph Benavidez +175
Benavidez will need to learn from last fight, as he likes to stand in the pocket and throw powerful punches in the hopes of connecting and getting a knockout before his opponents have a chance to strike back. Benavidez is 28-6 and is a veteran at age 35, but has gone 0-4 in title fights. Before losing to Figueiredo, Benavidez had a six-fight unbeaten streak, which was snapped in a loss to Sergio Pettis in 2018. In 34 career fights, Benavidez has not lost back to back and actually had more significant strikes (46-25) than Figueiredo in the first match.
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There are many more Round props and win props at Bovada, so head on over and get your free $250 Deposit Bonus and enjoy the fight.
Prediction: Benavidez was looking good in the first match until that clash on the heads. Though medically cleared to fight, there are some concerns about Figueiredo’s training leading up to this Saturday. There are many ways to bet this fight, but I’m going the traditional way and backing Benavidez on the moneyline at +175.
