Pre-fight Data–UFC 211: Miocic vs. dos Santos 2
On May 13th, the UFC makes its return to the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas for UFC 211: Miocic vs. dos Santos 2. With two championship fights and a title elimination bout, this card is widely considered the most stacked event of the year. Let’s take a look at Verdict’s pre-fight data for UFC 211.
Stipe Miocic vs. Junior dos Santos 2
In December of 2014, Stipe Miocic and Junior dos Santos competed in a fight of the year candidate. Miocic was the underdog going into the first meeting. At the end of their close five round slugfest, Junior dos Santos was awarded the unanimous decision victory. Since their first fight, Stipe Miocic has gone undefeated and is now the UFC Heavyweight Champion. This time the odds are in Miocic’s favor.
Since his first fight with dos Santos, Miocic has finished four consecutive fights by knockout, and 57% of Verdict predict that dos Santos will be added to that list. Only 20% predict this fight will go to a decision.
Joanna Jędrzejczyk vs. Jéssica Andrade
In March of 2014, Joanna Jędrzejczyk defeated Carla Esparza to become the UFC Strawweight champion. At UFC 211, Jędrzejczyk will defend her title in the same arena in which she became champion.
Since dropping down to the Strawweight division, Jéssica Andrade has won three consecutive fights, and has finished two of them.
Jędrzejczyk is the biggest favorite on the card, as 80% of Verdict are predicting her to win.
Demian Maia vs. Jorge Masvidal
The winner of this bout could be the next challenger for the UFC Welterweight title. Demian Maia is currently on a six fight winning streak, and many believe he has already done enough to secure a title shot. However, Maia has one more mountain to climb, as he will fight Jorge Masvidal at UFC 211.
Jorge Masvidal began fighting in the backyards of Miami, Florida along with street fighting legend Kimbo Slice. Masvidal is now a veteran of the sport, with 46 professional fights under his belt. In January of this year, Masvidal earned one of the biggest wins of his career, when he finished Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone by knockout.
The majority of Verdict predict that Maia will advance to title contention, as 62% predict Maia to win.
Frankie Edgar vs. Yair Rodríguez
At UFC 211, Frankie Edgar battles the new breed of fighter, when he will compete against 24 year old Yair Rodríguez who has not lost a fight in 5 years. On paper, this is the most challenging fight of Rodríguez’s career. Edgar’s only loss in the past 4 years comes from UFC Featherweight champion Jose Aldo.
In terms of odds, this is the most even fight of the night.
Krzysztof Jotko vs. David Branch
After the bout between Henry Cejudo and Sergio Pettis was cancelled, Krzysztof Jotko vs. David Branch was moved to the opening slot of the main card. David Branch makes his return to the UFC, after winning 10 consecutive fights with the WSOF.
Remember to place your picks. See you on Verdict!