Game Date: 07-12 11:15 EST PM

Odds: Stephen Thompson +325, Gabriel Bonfim -425

UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs Teixeira

Analysis:

This is a classic striker vs. grappler matchup in the Welterweight division. Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson is a veteran known for his unorthodox karate-based striking style. He utilizes angles, footwork, and a wide array of kicks to keep opponents at bay and pick them apart. However, Thompson’s wrestling defense has been a weakness in the past.

Gabriel Bonfim is a rising prospect with a heavy grappling focus. He’s dangerous on the ground with a variety of submissions. Bonfim will likely look to close the distance, take Thompson down, and work for a finish on the mat.

Keys to Victory:

• Thompson: Needs to maintain distance, utilize his footwork to avoid the takedown, and land strikes from the outside. Keeping the fight standing is paramount. He must be wary of Bonfim’s explosiveness in closing the distance.
• Bonfim: Needs to get the fight to the ground. He should look to pressure Thompson, use feints to set up takedowns, and capitalize on any openings in Thompson’s wrestling defense. Once on the ground, he needs to quickly transition to dominant positions and hunt for submissions.

Prediction:

The odds heavily favor Bonfim, and for good reason. Thompson is getting older and his takedown defense hasn’t improved significantly over the years. Bonfim is a hungry, talented grappler with a clear path to victory. While Thompson is always a threat on the feet, especially early in the fight, Bonfim’s relentless pursuit of the takedown will likely pay off.

Prediction: Gabriel Bonfim via submission in round 2 or 3.

Betting Recommendation:

The odds reflect the likely outcome. Betting on Bonfim at -425 offers little value. A small wager on Bonfim to win by submission might offer better returns. Conversely, a small bet on Thompson by KO could be worthwhile given the large plus odds, but the likelihood is low.

Sources:
MMA Fighting: UFC, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) News, Results
MMA Global | #ShapeTheFuture of Marketing
MMA on ESPN – UFC, PFL and Bellator Fights Coverage
Mixed martial arts – Wikipedia
MMA: Mixed Martial Arts
Maine Maritime Academy – ENGINEERING, MANAGEMENT …
Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA)
The Official Site of Professional Fighters League | Professional …
The Music Modernization Act | U.S. Copyright Office
Ipsos MMA – Marketing Measurement & Optimization Solutions