UFC 251 Card Odds: Amanda Ribas vs. Paige VanZant Prediction

We could be looking at a changing of the guard in the women’s flyweight division when rising star Amanda Ribas squares off with Paige VanZant at UFC 251, from Fight Island in Abu Dhabi, on Saturday.  The winner of this fight could vault herself into the Top-10 and be in the conversation for a title shot against flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko.  This is one of the most lopsided fights on the MMA odds with the favourite, Ribas, at -630 and VanZant at +420.

Amanda Ribas UFC 251 Odds

Ribas has already made a name for herself since debuting in the UFC, last June.  She boasts a 9-1 MMA record and has won all three of her UFC fights, picking up a 2^nd round submission win over Emily Whitmire in her debut and decision wins over Mackenzie Dern and Randa Markos.

VanZant likes to keep out of range by moving around the cage, but this also leaves her vulnerable if Ribas can close the gap.  Ribas has proven her overall skillset since her UFC debut and patience will be the key to beating VanZant.

If Ribas can use her kickboxing ability to wait out VanZant, she can eventually take her to the ground, where she has a big advantage.  Ribas’ has the edge when it comes to takedown average per 15 minutes (Ribas 2.02, VanZant 1.31), takedown accuracy (Ribas 50 per cent, VanZant 33 per cent), takedown defense (Ribas 85 per cent, VanZant 35 per cent) and submission average per 15 minutes (Ribas 1.61, VanZant 0.98).

Paige VanZant UFC 251 Odds

Although she has been inconsistent at times, VanZant is still a threat.  She has an 8-4 MMA record (5-3 in the UFC) and she is a natural athlete with superior cardio.  VanZant is a strong grinder who stays on the move and tries to overwhelm her opponents.  Her technical skills will not be able to measure up to Ribas, so VanZant will need to rely on her toughness and apply high pressure from the start.  VanZant’s athleticism also makes her deceptively dangerous on the ground, so being able to scramble out of tight spots in this fight is a must for her.

Coming off of multiple arm fractures in the last two years and publicized contract disputes with the UFC, a loss could mean this is the last time we see VanZant in the Octagon.  She will not be able to match the skill of Ribas, but if her toughness and athleticism can help her grind out a win, she could be right back on the road to a title shot.

Ribas vs. VanZant UFC 251 Prediction:

Ribas is a force and VanZant seems to be on her way out.  The smart bet is on Ribas to continue her undefeated UFC fight streak and pick up the win over VanZant.