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The top MMA betting and DFS plays for this weekend's UFC 279 card are up and courtesy of Drake Burden, who breaks down betting and lineup strategy, as well as offers predictions for the entire event.
UFC 279 takes place Saturday, and Jon Litterine is back to break down the top fights, plus offer his DFS picks and predictions for the key matchups on the card.
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Falls as favorite in UFC debut
Martinez lost to Elise Reed via unanimous decision (28-29, 28-29, 28-29) at UFC 279 on Saturday in Las Vegas.
ANALYSIS
It was an underwhelming performance from Martinez in her UFC debut as a -175 favorite. She was knocked down by Reed in the opening frame before getting back on track in Round 2. Martinez was the much more fluid striker and better athlete of the two, but she made some positional mistakes in Round 3, and that's all it takes in a close fight. The good news is that Melissa turned just 25 years of age this past August, and time is firmly on her side. Martinez is a quality prospect with UFC-caliber skills, but this fight showed she has plenty to work on moving forward.
It was an underwhelming performance from Martinez in her UFC debut as a -175 favorite. She was knocked down by Reed in the opening frame before getting back on track in Round 2. Martinez was the much more fluid striker and better athlete of the two, but she made some positional mistakes in Round 3, and that's all it takes in a close fight. The good news is that Melissa turned just 25 years of age this past August, and time is firmly on her side. Martinez is a quality prospect with UFC-caliber skills, but this fight showed she has plenty to work on moving forward.
New opponent for debut
Martinez is now scheduled to make her UFC debut at flyweight against Elise Reed at UFC 279 on Sept. 10 in Salt Lake City, Alex Behunin of Cageside Press reports.
ANALYSIS
Originally scheduled to face Hannah Cifers on the same card, Martinez now gets a replacement opponent for her official company debut. She'll be taking on an active opponent in Reed who is 1-2 with the company since debuting in July of 2021. Martinez will be giving up an inch in height but sport a one-inch reach advantage. She'll be returning from a layoff of nearly three years, as she was previously a Combate Americas Champion. Of her seven professional victories, five of which have came by way of stoppage.
Originally scheduled to face Hannah Cifers on the same card, Martinez now gets a replacement opponent for her official company debut. She'll be taking on an active opponent in Reed who is 1-2 with the company since debuting in July of 2021. Martinez will be giving up an inch in height but sport a one-inch reach advantage. She'll be returning from a layoff of nearly three years, as she was previously a Combate Americas Champion. Of her seven professional victories, five of which have came by way of stoppage.
September 10 fight called off
Martinez will no longer face Hannah Cifers at UFC 279 on September 10, MMAJunkie.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Martinez's UFC debut may have to wait after Hannah Cifers withdrew from the strawweight fight on Sunday. It is unclear whether or not Cifers will be replaced.
Martinez's UFC debut may have to wait after Hannah Cifers withdrew from the strawweight fight on Sunday. It is unclear whether or not Cifers will be replaced.
UFC debut set for September 10
Martinez will fight Hannah Cifers in a strawweight fight at a UFC event on September 10, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
Martinez will make her UFC debut after previously winning six consecutive fights under Combate. Martinez stands one inch taller than Cifers while also having a two inch reach advantage. Martinez faces Cifers, who sports a 100% takedown accuracy.
Martinez will make her UFC debut after previously winning six consecutive fights under Combate. Martinez stands one inch taller than Cifers while also having a two inch reach advantage. Martinez faces Cifers, who sports a 100% takedown accuracy.