The UFC returns, this time at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. Will the elevation play a role in any of these fights? That is for sure a topic of conversation, and one that I am always anticipated to see play out.
This card is rather lackluster, many names most casual fans may not recognize. We have some rising prospects on this card, and I am excited to see them in action!
I think both fights have challenges that will be presented to our picks they need to navigate, but I love these two this weekend and I will start with Joshua Van. He has had his opponent and fight day change on him recently, but he is young and hungry for his next fight. He has a tough one this weekend with Charles Johnson.
Van is a good striker with some power and speed, while having solid striking defense. He lands almost 3.5 significant strikes per minute while only taking around 1.5. Johnson is very skilled and experienced, and this is Vans biggest test. I think Vans speed, power, and ability to get takedowns will be the difference in quite possibly a decision win for Van.
Rose is by far the more accomplished, and I think still more skilled fighter in this matchup with Tracey Cortez. She will have to use her takedown defense and be able to get back up as I believe Cortez will only attempt to strike for so long. Cortez is a good grappler averaging over 2 takedowns per match.
Rose should be able to keep her at distance and touch her up enough to damage her throughout this fight. Both have good cardio, but Cortez has not fought since September of 2023, and I think that is too big of a layoff to face Rose still trying to climb back to the top.
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA/MD/ME/MI/NC/NH/NJ/OH/OR/PA/TN/VA/VT/WV/WY), (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Call 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.1800gambler.net (WV). Must be 21+ (18+ KY/WY).
Last time out we saw Andre knock himself out, or what appeared that way. He is coming off 2 losses to guys that are tough in this division and the competition here is a step down.
Andre is the far superior grappler and has more power than Fremd. I think people are siding with Fremd because he trains at elevation and I just do not think that will matter come Saturday.
Petroski is mean, averages over 4 takedowns per fight with 54% takedown accuracy and 80% takedown defense. I do not believe Fremd will have luck taking Petroski down, and if he tries to enter, I think Petroski’s power can put him out.
This fight absolutely can go both ways, but I think the grappling, the control, and the power for Andre Petroski will be too much. Give me the current dog!
Top Parlay:
2-Leg (+110) MGM
Joshua Van ML & Rose Namajunas ML
Best Bet:
Andre Petroski ML (-105) DraftKings