UFC on ESPN Predictions: Vera vs Cruz fight preview

published

8/8/2022 11:57 AM

Ahead of UFC on ESPN- Vera vs Cruz, we take a look at the odds, and predictions for the main card

The UFC bantamweight division is shaping into one of the most exciting divisions in the UFC. The dynamics of the division has taken a turn for good, with a fresh dose of excitement seen after a long time since. With the emergence of highly skilled fighters like Petr Yan and Cory Sandhagen, fans rarely get to witness a boring fight at 135. To add to the excitement, fresh talents are emerging in the division regularly. A true legend of the sport and an upcoming warrior compete this weekend, when former bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz takes on Marlon Chito Vera at UFC on ESPN.

FZFJ8L3XEAAvW s.0 1 — UFC on ESPN Predictions: Vera vs Cruz fight preview 2

Marlon Vera vs Dominick Cruz

Dominick Cruz will be Vera’s biggest test so far. Vera first appeared on The Ultimate Fighter: Latin America. As of December 13, 2021, he is ranked #8 in the UFC bantamweight rankings. He made his MMA debut back in 2012, and won 5 straight fights as a pro. After fighting in Peru, Mexico and other regions in South America. He made his UFC debut at UFC 180, but unfortunately lost that fight via decision. Vera had shaky initial years in the octagon, before cementing his claim as a legitimate threat by winning against the likes of Brad Pickett. Between 2018 and 2019, the most active years for the Ecuadorian, he won five straight fights all by finishes. He grabbed attention when he won against crowd favorite Sean O’Malley, and knocked out Frankie Edgar with a beautiful front kick in his last fight at UFC 268.

His put on a masterful clinic against Rob Font at UFC Vegas 53, that cemented his position as a bona fide contender.

A former two-time UFC Bantamweight Champion and, also the final bantamweight titleholder of World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC), Dominick Cruz is an absolute legend of the sport. Cruz is well known for his unorthodox movement, powerful wrestling base, quick striking, and tendency to attack from angles in a fashion unlike any other fighter on the UFC roster. He won the WEC bantamweight title in March 2010, and won the inaugural UFC Bantamweight Championship the following December. After defending the belt twice in 2011, Cruz was sidelined by injuries in 2012 and subsequently stripped of the title in 2014. On January 17, 2016, he regained the bantamweight championship with a split-decision win over T.J. Dillashaw. Numerous media outlets called this victory the greatest comeback story in MMA history.

Our Prediction– Cruz has a tendency to jump back right to action whenever he gets hurt. This costed him the fight against Henry Cejudo. Against a bigger, faster, younger and stronger fighter like Vera, Cruz will struggle a lot if he makes the same mistake again. He needs to fight smart and play out the entire five rounds. As for Vera, we believe he will emerge victorious with the momentum he’s riding on.

Odds- (Bantamweight) Marlon Vera -195 [favorite] vs. Dominick Cruz +165

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vH6tU2R8Sto

Nate Landwehr vs. David Onama

Nathan Wade Landwehr is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the Featherweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. A professional mixed martial artist since 2012, he is also a former M-1 Global Featherweight Champion. Nate made his UFC debut against fellow newcomer Herbert Burns at UFC Fight Night: Blaydes vs. dos Santos on January 25, 2020. He lost the fight by knockout in the first round via a knee from the clinch.

He has fought four times in the UFC and has a record of 2 wins and 2 losses.

David Onama (born June 7, 1994) is a Ugandan mixed martial artist who competes in the Featherweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Onama has 11 fights as a professional mixed martial artist, and 10 victories.

Onama, replacing Alan Patrick, made his UFC debut on short notice moving up to lightweight against Mason Jones on October 23, 2021 at UFC Fight Night: Costa vs. Vettori. Onama lost the fight via unanimous decision. He currently has three fights inside the UFC and has two victories.

Our Prediction – Although Landwehr is the experienced fighter, we think David Onama’s strength, tenacity, and ferocity will be too much for Nate, and the Ugandan will win the fight in the first round.

UFC on ESPN Predictions: Vera vs Cruz fight preview

Marlon Vera vs Dominick Cruz

Nate Landwehr vs. David Onama

Other Fight Odds