UFC 275 is fast approaching and there are some excellent fights on the card. Jiri Prochazka challenges Glover Texeira for the light heavyweight title in the main event. We also have Valentina Shevchenko defending her flyweight title against Taila Santos. Let’s preview the top three fights on the main card of UFC 275.
UFC 275 Preview: Zhang Weili Faces Joanna Jedrzejcyzk in a Rematch
We saw one of the greatest fights in UFC history on May 7, 2020, at UFC 248. Zhang Weili and Joanna Jedrzejcyzk put on a show in an incredible fight. Weili won by split decision in a competitive war and we all expected a rematch. Now, we will see that rematch in UFC 275, although the belt is no longer on the line.
Both Weili and Joanna are excellent strikers. However, we did see that Joanna landed more body strikes than Weili. Joanna landed 68% of the body strikes she threw in the first fight compared to Weili landing 50% of her body strikes. Joanna’s more effective striking to the body could prove crucial in what we expect to be another competitive fight.
Weili did land 73% of her leg strikes, though. Given Weili’s power for the strawweight division, slowing down Joanna could be a key to victory. Weili will also have to be more effective in taking down Joanna. She completed only one of eight takedown attempts in the first fight with Joanna.
Prediction: Joanna Jedrzejcyzk by split decision
Valentina Shevchenko vs. Talia Santos
Valentina Shevchenko has dominated the women’s flyweight division since becoming its champion in 2018. She has six successful title defenses so far and four of those have come by KO or TKO. Valentina is an excellent technical striker and her takedowns and wresting defense are excellent, as well. She finished Lauren Murphy in the fourth round in her previous fight.
Shevchenko’s technical striking will be one of her biggest advantages in this fight. If Talia Santos closes the distance, Shevchenko can counter her effectively. However, if Santos keeps her distance, Shevchenko can whittle away at her with her excellent kicks. It seems unlikely that Santos will win a striking battle with Shevchenko.
Talia Santos has won four in a row and is certainly a top contender in the women’s flyweight division. However, despite her striking prowess and ground game, it seems unlikely that it will be enough against Shevchenko. Shevchenko will likely counter Santos effectively until she can finish the fight.
Prediction: Valentina Shevchenko by KO/TKO
Glover Teixeira vs. Jiri Prochazka
Glover Teixeira made UFC history at UFC 267 when he became the oldest first-time UFC champion at 42 years old. Now, he faces another dangerous opponent in the form of Jiri Prochazka. The main advantage for Teixeira in this fight is his ground game.
Teixeira showed that he can withstand a powerful striker and win by submission when he took down Jan Blachowicz to win the title. We haven’t seen much of Jiri’s ground game since he entered the UFC. If Glover can get this fight to the mat, he can probably submit Jiri and retain his title.
Jiri Prochazka is a very dangerous striker, though. Jiri combines power and unpredictability in his striking. We saw that in his brutal KO of Dominick Reyes at UFC Fight Night: Reyes vs. Prochazka. If Jiri can avoid getting taken down, he has the striking to win this fight. Teixeira is quite durable, though, so a quick finish might not happen.
Prediction: Glover Teixeira by submission
UFC 275 Includes Some Excellent Fights
Those are our thoughts on the top three fights on the main card of UFC 275. There are other interesting fights like Andre Fialho vs. Jake Matthews lower on the main card. It’s sure to be a great night of fights. Bet on how you think the fights will go and enjoy the fights.