Gavin Tucker (+146) vs. Billy Quarantillo (-174)
Weight Class: Featherweight (145 lbs)
Billy Quarantillo will be looking to improve to 4-0 with the UFC when he takes on Gavin Tucker at UFC 256. Billy Q is coming off of a third round, walk-off knockout of Canada’s Kyle Nelson. Before that, he edged out a split decision in a wild fight with Spike Carlyle back in June.
As for Gavin Tucker, this will mark his second appearance of 2020. Back in August, he secured a third round submission of Justin Jaynes. Prior to that, his last UFC victory came against Seung Woo Choi in July of 2019. In the Choi bout, Tucker was able to secure another third round submission after controlling most of the fight. All told, Gavin Tucker is 3-1 in the UFC, his lone loss coming against a savvy veteran in Rick Glenn.
Stylistically these are two similar fighters. Both have above average BJJ, though I’d give the edge to Tucker. It is slight, however, and I do think that the ground will provide Tucker’s best chance for victory.
On the feet, the edge goes to Billy Quarantillo. Billy Q will have a slight reach advantage and should figure to be the more active fighter. Quarantillo is constantly on the attack where as Tucker is more of a counter striker.
This fight opened as a pick-em’, but I really like Billy Quarantillo at the current moneyline as well. Quarantillo is one of the more scrappy fighters on the roster and is tough to take down. He’s also proven himself more than capable of getting up from a bad position, so I’m not worried about him getting dominated on the ground.
I do lean Billy Q by decision, but ultimately will just be sticking with the line
Prediction and play: Billy Quarantillo moneyline (-132)
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