Maynard Picks up a Win in TUF 25 FP Prelims

The Ultimate Fighter 25 Finale – Fight Pass Prelims Preview. Gray Maynard vs. Teruto Ishihara

UFC TUF 25 Finale – UFC Featherweight Bout

Do you like jiu-jitsu? If you want to see how even the threat of good jiu-jitsu can neutralise an opponent and frustrate them like never before, then check out Gray Maynard’s last fight. Maynard faced Ryan Hall, and I’ve never seen Maynard so wild. He was beaten on the feet by Ryan Hall, who would occasionally ‘imanari roll’ to take the legs of Grey Maynard as well. Hall handed Maynard his fifth loss in his last six bouts. Maynard’s only win came via unanimous decision against Fernando Bruno in July 2016.

After impressing on Road to UFC: Japan and finally matching Mizuto Hirota in a split decision draw at UFC Fight Night 75, Ishihara was given a chance in the UFC. He scored KO/TKO wins against Julian Erosa and Horacio Gutierrez before falling short against Artem Lobov by way of unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night 99 in November.

The Breakdown

I’m not writing Gray Maynard off, yet. He was exposed to the very tricky Ryan Hall and wasn’t able to show his game in December. This time, he could be equally frustrated as he faces the young and explosive fighter in Ishihara. Ishihara packs tremendous power in his left hand; he just needs to find a way for it to land on the experienced Maynard.

Ishihara struggled to land his shots against Artem Lobov who tracked forward aggressively. The only convincing shot that Ishihara landed was a massive straight right hand with three minutes left in the contest. It’s clear that forward pressure is the way for Maynard to take over in this contest.

If Maynard moves forward behind feints and occasional strikes, it will cause Ishihara to freeze up and consider his shots. Despite controlling the pace, Maynard will always be in danger of Ishihara’s powerful single shot strikes.

Prediction and Betting Strategy

I’m expecting this to be a very close affair, but Maynard may just win this one if it makes it to the scorecards. Forward pressure and experience will get him over the line, despite Ishihara looking more dangerous.

Gray Maynard by Decision

Tecia Torres vs. Juliana Lima

UFC TUF 25 Finale – UFC Women’s Strawweight Bout

Tecia Torres will step in on late notice to fight Juliana Lima in the Fight Pass Prelims of the UFC TUF 25 Finale. Amanda Ribas was scheduled to fight Juliana Lima but was pulled after USADA flagged her for a potential doping violation.

Torres has had just three weeks to prepare for this, but we can be certain she is ready for the bout with Juliana Lima. Torres has managed a 4-1 record through her last five fights with an impressive win over Bec Rawlings being her last time in the UFC octagon.

Juliana Lima has been competing in the UFC since 2014. Her debut fight in the organisation was against Joanna Jedrzejczyk, the current women’s strawweight champion. Lima would go on to lose to Jedrzejczyk before putting together a 3-1 record in her next four fights. A win here would secure momentum for the Brazilian after she scored a unanimous decision victory against JJ Aldrich last.

The Breakdown

Tecia Torres is a very well-rounded fighter with excellent striking combinations and grappling expertise. Her takedowns, timing and ground control caused difficulty for Bec Rawlings.

Much like Torres, Lima is also a true mixed martial artist. Equally good in all aspects of the game, she’ll challenge Tecia Torres on the feet or the mat.

Tecia Torres is terrific, but Lima is always dangerous because of her smooth striking. While some of Torres’ last opponents have stood in front of her, Lima moves laterally around the octagon and looks for openings. Both of these fighters fight extremely well in combination striking attempts, usually the 1-2 and body kick. Ring generalship will define who fairs better in the striking.

Prediction and Betting Strategy

It’s hard to back against Tecia Torres, but the odds are way too short for her in this matchup. Lima has some nice striking when it all comes together and represents good value in the Fight Pass Prelims.

Juliana Lima to Win

Best Bets

Gray Maynard vs. Teruto Ishihara
Gray Maynard to Win
Friday 7th July – 05:30 pm (ET) /  11:30pm GMT
Odds: 3.74Bet €100 to win €374137/50Bet £100 to win £374+274Bet $100 to win $3742.74Bet HK$100 to win HK$3742.74Bet Rp100 to win Rp374-0.3650Bet RM100 to win RM374  – Marathon

Tecia Torres vs. Juliana Lima
Juliana Lima to Win
Friday 7th July – 05:00 pm (ET) /  11:00pm GMT
Odds: 3.50Bet €100 to win €3505/2Bet £100 to win £350+250Bet $100 to win $3502.50Bet HK$100 to win HK$3502.50Bet Rp100 to win Rp350-0.4000Bet RM100 to win RM350  – Bet365