After another entertaining stint at Fight Island, we return to the UFC Apex Centre for this Fight Night card, which is headlined by UFC veterans, Anderson Silva and Uriah Hall. Also on the card, Bryce Mitchell attempts to continue his rapid rise against Andre Filli and Bobby Green tries to make it three in a row in 2020 against the ever-dangerous Thiago Moises. Let’s dive into the action below.
UFC Fight Night Betting Tips
Uriah Hall vs Anderson Silva
Anderson Silva is 1-4 in his last five and that one win was controversial. That was a decision victory over Derek Brunson which to be fair wasn’t a bad scalp at this stage in his career. Although I personally think the decision was fair enough, he still did not look good at all in that fight. I am relieved this will be Silva’s final UFC fight but remain fearful he may be enticed to continue to fight in another organisation.
Anderson Silva at range is still at a high level but at 45 it is no surprise that those fast twitch muscles and explosive movements have wilted at this stage in his career. He still has fantastic takedown defense, boasting almost a 70% success rate at defending takedowns and has one of the best Fight IQ’s in the entire organisation. Silva stands a chance in this fight solely due to the lack of volume Hall throws. Hall has won 3 of his last 4 but continues to be a frustrating fighter to follow. However, Hall still remains explosive and powerful which is a recipe for disaster for Silva’s final UFC fight as while he still has great striking, he does have the reflexes of a 45-year-old.
When Hall starts chopping at the legs of Silva that could be the end of the fight. This is a weird fight where nothing would really surprise me, but I have to go with Hall to get the win by knockout. If he doesn’t finish Silva I wouldn’t be surprised if the Silva gets the win on the judges’ scorecards though.
Bryce Mitchell vs Andre Fili
I am a huge Bryce Mitchell fan and he is incredible when the fight hits the mat, but this is a tough test and the market has this backwards. Mitchell showcased his ground skills perfectly against Charles Rosa in his last fight but meets a tough test in Andre Fili. Andre Fili is out of American Top Team and has trained with some of the best wrestlers in that camp and has fought the best of the division.
Andre Fili is a great striker with solid takedown defense and I expect him to cause Bryce Mitchell some real issues. Fili’s last display against Charles Jourdain was so impressive that he looks like at now 30 years of age he is ready to push for UFC gold. I do believe Fili can keep this standing for the majority of the fight and hold his own on the mat if it does go there. Fili is a top-class striker who utilises range well and the hype around Mitchell has got the market undervaluing Fili. Fili to get the win as an underdog in Vegas.
Adrian Yanez vs Victor Rodriguez
This is one of the biggest mismatches you will see. Victor Rodriguez is relatively durable with a gas tank, but he is badly outclassed here. With limited wrestling, Rodriguez won’t be able to stop the boxing exhibition Yanez puts on him and this should be an easy night for the UFC debutant. Adrian Yanez is a superb prospect out of the LFA circuit, and I cannot wait to see him climb the rankings in the 135 division. The sky is the limit for Yanez as when you look at his boxing, Yanez looks levels above most in the Bantamweight division. This really is a showcase fight for Yanez, and he should be getting an impressive knockout victory here.
