UFC 257 will feature an exciting Women’s Strawweight matchup between Marina Rodriguez and Amanda Ribas. Ribas is one of the best rising stars and has opened as the heavy favorite. Rodriguez is on a two-fight losing streak, but her ferocity in the ring makes her an intriguing value pick. It’ll be close, but I like Rodriguez to win by KO/TKO in the third round.
The Women’s Strawweight division will give fans what should be an exciting fight on the main card for UFC 257. Marina Rodriguez and Amanda Ribas will square off on January 23, 2021. NJ online sportsbooks favor Ribas, who’s 4-0 in her last four fights. She last fought against Paige VanZant on July 11, 2020, and won with an armbar submission. Marina Rodriguez dropped her last two fights, but she narrowly lost one and was given a draw in the other. A strong case could be made that she should’ve both contests. Nevertheless, she’s a big underdog against Ribas, but her betting value is enticing. The best UFC betting prediction and MMA betting sites like the value that NJ online sportsbook reviews are offering on the moneyline for Rodriguez. 888sport has her at +240, but FanDuel has a much better listing at +270. Ribas is listed as a -355 favorite on FanDuel, and at -333 over on 888sport. Rodriguez has a ferocious style of fighting with an uncanny ability to execute a blistering combination of strikes with accuracy. Ribas is skilled at jiu-jitsu and Judo with a knack for grappling. It’s not far-fetched to say that she’s the better all-around fighter. Ribas is a good striker herself but will need to evade Rodriguez in hopes of tiring her out. Her best shot is to subdue Rodriguez on the mat. Rodriguez is older than Ribas, but her confidence in her striking game is captivating. She will dare Ribas to exchange strikes with her, and if she does, I like Rodriguez to pull off an upset.
Ribas has hinted that she may switch up her style a bit for this bout, but her strength is in her grappling. If Ribas attempts to go blow-for-blow with Rodriguez, it’s going to be Rodriguez’s night. My Prediction: Rodriguez drops Ribas in the 2nd round with a KO/TKO.
