Women’s strawweight star Paige VanZant returns to action this Saturday against TUF 20 alum Bec Rawlings. Currently ranked No. 10 by the UFC, VanZant will look to bounce back from her first loss inside the octagon -- a hype-crushing beating at the hands of Rose Namajunas. This could be a put up or shutup fight for PVZ, as many felt that the attractive blonde was getting an unjustified push from the UFC.
Bet on UFC odds at BookMaker.eu
Paige VanZant -260
Bec Rawlings +180
Over/under 2.5 rounds, over -285, under +205
Please note, the UFC odds at BookMaker are updated daily. The lines listed here may have changed since this article was posted.
FIGHT PREVIEW
At just 22 years old, VanZant has loads of potential, but she is far from a finished product. Against lower-tier opponents, like Alex Chambers and Kailin Curran, she was simply able to overwhelm her opponents with cardio and pace. A Team Alpha Male fighter, PVZ carries on a proud wrestling tradition, and is at her best when she is scoring takedowns and wearing opponents out in the top ride.
However, Namajunas exposed serious flaws in her striking game. She was tuned up by fluid combinations, and had nothing to offer in response. There is little snap to her punches, which speaks to subpar technique, power or both. She obviously needs to spend some time hitting the mitts.
Rawlings is all aggression, and loves to bully forward despite whatever her opponent is throwing. In her last matchup against Seo Hee Ham, she showed a much refined striking game, indicating that her days as a wild striker are coming to a close. Still, her standup is usually nothing more than a channel to initiate a clinch.
When “Rowdy” has opponents pressed against the cage and wrapped up in a double collar tie, she is absolutely lethal. Her big frame allows her to trap opponents, where she’ll batter them with knees and short elbows. Rawlings can be a bit overzealous at times from this position, but showed better patience against Ham.
THE SMART PLAYS
Both fighters are a bit green, and while VanZant is ranked higher, it is Rawlings that has been spending more time in the gym. With no disrespect to VanZant, competing on a television show -- one that requires multiple media obligations after airing -- is no way to improve the serious holes in one’s game.
Rawlings can also match VanZant’s pace and aggression -- which are her two strongest weapons. Take those away, and VanZant doesn’t have many options. While Rawlings is the favorite, she’s not too expensive and warrants a wager to win.
UFC odds: Rawlings UD VanZant
HOW TO BET
With BookMaker’s quick and easy payout options, your winnings are always close at hand. Access live betting lines from your mobile device at BookMaker sportsbook! Real-time spreads, totals, props and money line are all available so start betting with BookMaker today. UFC on FOX 21 takes place on UFC on FOX 21 on Saturday, August 27, 2016 at the Rogers Arena in Vancouver, Canada. The card will air on FOX starting 8 p.m. ET following the prelims on FOX Sports 1.
