The party continues in Abu Dhabi as Yas Island turns into Fight Island for the second weekend in a row for UFC Fight Night 173 with the main card kicking off at 8 PM ET July 18. The vacant flyweight crown will be at stake as Joseph Benavidez looks to avenge his loss against Deiveson Figueiredo in their first bout. Can Benavidez learn from their first fight? Find out in our Deiveson Figueiredo vs Joseph Benavidez Betting Predictions for UFC Fight Night 172.
The UFC Flyweight title was also on the line the last time these two fighters met but with Figueiredo missing weight, he was disqualified from winning the championship despite coming out with the W. In a reversal of their previous fight, Figueiredo is now the betting favorite among online bookmakers with 888sport and SugarHouse both having Figueiredo at-230. In my opinion the line is wider than what it should be so I wouldn’t bet big here. This is closer than the bookmakers will have you believe find out why on my betting prediction below.
Although I think the line should be closer I do think Figueiredo will win this rematch. Their last fight ended in controversy as replays showed that Benavidez was hit with a headbutt that likely caused a concussion seconds before getting knocked out. UFC president Dana White thought the headbutt had a significant enough impact to grant an immediate rematch to Benavidez. The image of Benavidez getting knocked out in a bloody heap is probably what’s pushing the line wide. For me though, even before the knockout Figueiredo was controlling the octagon and was counterstriking Benavidez effectively. His striking was accurate and powerful, knocking back Benavidez in one of their exchanges. He even almost managed to pull off an arm bar if not for Benavidez’s mastery of the scramble. While I expect Benavidez to perform better and learn from some mistakes, his head first style of attack is very susceptible to a heavy hitter like Figueiredo. If the fight goes to the ground, Figueiredo will also have the more superior grappling skills. In short, there’s a few paths to victory for Figueiredo here. I also think this fight might be coming a little too soon for the 35 year old Benavidez who sustained a severe concussion from the knockout. I have Figuerido ending this fight early with another KO, but I wouldn’t swing for the fences here with your bet.
