Pedro Munhoz (+114) vs. Jimmie Rivera (-134)
Weight Class: Bantamweight (135 lbs)
The rematch between Pedro Munhoz and Jimmie Rivera is, in my opinion, the highlight of the UFC Vegas 20 card. The last time these two matched up, neither was ranked. Rivera ultimately boxed his way to a close a decision in a back and forth fight. As of 2021, both fighters have fought against the best of the best at 135 and will be looking to put themselves in the title conversation with a win tonight.
For Munhoz, he last came up on the wrong side of a decision in a wild main event with Frankie Edgar. Like all Pedro Munhoz bouts, he didn’t take one step backwards. Munhoz has an iron jaw and will advance from start to finish. He is quite hittable however, and that was on full display in the Edgar fight.
Ultimately I see this going very similar to the first match-up between the two. Jimmy Rivera is one of the best boxers in the UFC and has great take down defense. He would have beaten Petr Yan had no not gotten dropped at the end of rounds one and two respectively.
Munhoz will press the pace and he has a great guillotine, so he has the better path to a finish. He has been more willing to use his kicks in recent fights, which could help him tremendously, especially the front kick. With that said, I think that the combination of Rivera’s boxing and take down defense will lead him to another decision here.
Betting wise I’m not too big on this card, so I won’t be laying a whole lot on the line here. I’ve got 25 on Rivera by points straight and another 25 on Rivera by points + Dustin Jacoby.
Prediction and play: Jimmie Rivera by points (+110)
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