The best betting sites favor Amanda Ribas over Page VanZant at UFC 251 on July 12, 2020, at the UFC Fight Island facility on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Amanda Ribas vs. Page VanZant UFC 251 Money Line
| Fighter | Odds |
|---|---|
| Paige Vanzant | +565 |
| Amanda Ribas | -790 |
Betting Paige VanZant
PVZ is the underdog in this fight per the best online sportsbooks. VanZant enters with an 8-4 record. She has won 38% of her fights by decision. VanZant has split her last six fights. She is coming off a January 2019 win over Rachael Ostovich. VanZant averages 3.40 significant strikes per minute with an accuracy of 52%. She is averaging 1.31 takedowns with an accuracy of 33%. VanZant dominated her win at UFC Fight Night 143. She ended it in the second round with a submission. She looks for straight wins for the first time since 2015.
There is concern over VanZant being out of the octagon for so long. She broke her arm a couple of times, hence the long layoff. VanZant is a pressure fighter. She relies on her grappling, ground and pound and boxing skills. VanZant likes to muck it up by closing the distance. She throws knees and legs in the clinch. She isn’t afraid to go to the ground. VanZant is a purple belt in BJJ. She has won two of her three submissions by armbar. This will be VanZant’s first career fight in Abu Dhabi.
Betting Amanda Ribas
The Brazilian is the favorite in this fight according to the best betting sites. Ribas enters with a 9-1 record. She has won 33% of her fights by decision. Ribas has won her last four consecutive fights. She is coming off a March win over Randa Markos. Ribas averages 4.84 significant strikes per minute with an accuracy of 44%. She is averaging 2.02 takedowns with an accuracy of 50%. Ribas is 3-0 in the UFC banner. She is coming off an impressive performance. She landed 173 total strikes and produced a takedown.
Ribas’s last two fights have gone the distance. She has proven her conditioning allows her to be effective in all three rounds. Ribas has a background in Muay Thai, judo, and is a black belt in BJJ. Ribas is energetic in the octagon. She’s willing to stand in the pocket and exchange strikes with a high work rate. Ribas is equally effective with her takedowns. She is athletic and means on the ground and pound. This will be Ribas’ first career fight in Abu Dhabi.
“I would have fought Paige VanZant at strawweight, but I’m not sure why the UFC made me an offer at flyweight,” Ribas told MMA Junkie. “I accepted it. It’s not my usual weight class, but I’d like to test myself. I’d like to see how I would do by moving up in weight. I don’t enjoy getting too comfortable. I like to challenge myself. And think the pressure is more on her to win since it’s her weight class and since it’s supposed to be the last fight on her contract. If I happen to get ranked at flyweight, too, all the better. Who knows if I can follow in the steps of Amanda Nunes, our beloved ‘Lioness,’ and perform at the highest level in two weight classes?
UFC 251 FREE Pick
This one ought to be an entertaining bout between two fighters with a pressure style and high work rates. There should be action from bell to bell. The difference is that Ribas is a little more polished in every area. She would probably have the advantage wherever the fight goes. Especially standing up where she has a clear power advantage. VanZant is one of those fighters who doesn’t do anything special to make you think she can be at a higher-level fighter. She has been out of the cage for eighteen months. Users of the best betting sites should take Ribas.
