It’s never polite to talk about someone’s weight, and former UFC strawweight champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk found her weight at the centre of the pre-fight conversation ahead of the main event in Tampa, Florida this weekend.
https://twitter.com/thedarkestmonth/status/1182361289101889536
Former 115-pound world champion Jedrzejczyk reportedly alerted UFC officials to the possibility that she might not make weight for her crucial contender battle with Michelle Waterson on Saturday night. It sparked a scramble behind the scenes, with Waterson asked if she’d take the fight at a catchweight, or be prepared to face a lower-ranked strawweight from lower down on the fight card. Angela Hill is in town to corner teammate Lauren Mueller and apparently was more than happy to step in if needed.
But all was speculation was put to bed when the Polish star comfortably made weight.
🤫🤫🤫 #UFCTampa pic.twitter.com/SZghnJMwW9
— UFC (@ufc) October 11, 2019
Currently, Jedrzejczyk is a big favourite ahead of Saturday night’s fight and because she made weight without issue, she’s our pick. She looked comfortable and despite the Karate Hotties resurgence, we think Joanna will have too much for her and will take the victory on points.
ALSO ON THE CARD WORTH BACKING…
Niko Price (4/7) has performed well for us on Paddy Power News in the past, and ‘The Hybrid’ looks a solid pick against former lightweight contender James Vick in their welterweight clash. Price has a solid chin and legitimate power, while Vick’s chin has been exposed in recent bouts. The 4/7 price is a bit skinny, but could be a solid addition to an accumulator. If Method of Victory odds are available, take Price to win by KO/TKO.
Marlon Vera (4/7) is also a strong accumulator option against Andre Ewell. Vera is becoming a legitimate contender at 135lbs, and he looks a solid pick to claim the victory, most likely by decision but we’re just sticking with the win market.
And ‘Superman’ Ryan Spann (8/13) looks a good bet to score a stoppage victory on fight night. The light-heavyweight prospect has scored 10 of his 16 career wins via submission, no mean feat in a division where knockout power often holds sway. Paddy is 9/1 on a submission win here for Spann!!! That, to me, is way way too big to turn down.
UFC 49/1 Acca:
Joanna Jedrzejczyk to beat Michelle Waterson on points @ 4/6
Niko Price to beat James Vick @10/11
Marlon Vera to beat Andre Ewell @ 4/7
Ryan Spann to beat Devin Clark by submission @ 9/1