Paige VanZant was missed in 2017. Perhaps this year we’ll see more of the star. This Saturday, the growing media personality will return to the octagon to meet Jessica Rose-Clark on the main card of UFC Fight Night 124. With all of PVZ’s pursuits in the TV industry, it could be awhile before we see her back inside the octagon. A loss to Rose-Clark could hasten her exit from fighting for good.
Let’s take a look at the UFC betting odds at BookMaker.eu, break down the matchup and go over your best betting picks.
UFC Odds at BookMaker.eu
Paige VanZant -125
Jessica Rose-Clark +105
Over/under 2.5 rounds, over -265, under +225
Matchup Breakdown
Clark is a striker who is at her best when she’s countering an aggressive marcher. Against Bec Rawlings, “Jessy Jess” was able to tag her opponent with a few hard strikes while circling beautifully. Perhaps the most surprising aspect of that fight was the success Clark had in taking down Rawlings - grappling has never been her forte.
But as a former bantamweight, Clark does figure to have a size advantage against most flyweights. That would include PVZ, a strawweight who has never intimidated anyone with her size. Clark will be the bigger, stronger fighter - but that could both help and hurt her in this matchup.
VanZant has never evolved beyond her swarming style - but she is relentless in her attack. Cardio and pace are her best weapons, and in the past she simply overwhelmed fighters like Felice Herrig and Alex Chambers with her constant assault. Clark was visibly exhausted in the third round of her UFC debut, and PVZ is a far more frenetic fighter than Rawlings. It should be noted that Clark fought on short notice, three weeks before she was actually scheduled to fight.
There are a few factors going against PVZ here. The first is how much she could have improved with so many outside pursuits. At 23, she has never been more than an extremely raw talent. The other is how “12 Gauge” will react if she’s not able to muscle Clark around. Much of PVZ’s success comes from the clinch and scrambles, and at times she has looked lost if she cannot be the bully.
UFC Betting Tips
This matchup appears to favor Clark stylistically. She should be able to land a few clean hits on a charging PVZ, and has the strength to prevent getting rolled up. And with Clark’s last eight fights going to decision, the rounds over is a smart play as well. Take the better value of the two picks.
UFC Odds Pick: Rose-Clark to win at +105
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UFC Fight Night 124 takes place on Sunday, January 14, 2018 at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Missouri. The main card airs live on FS1 starting 10pm ET.
