UFC Fight Night: Cejudo Vs. Dillashaw Main Card Results Predictions
5. Paige VanZant (7-4) Vs Rachael Ostovich (4-4)
The upcoming strawweight bout between Paige VanZant and Rachel Ostovich should be a fun one.
Having appeared on television shows like Dancing with the Stars and Chopped — Paige VanZant is a star who transcends the world of mixed martial arts. That being said, the 24-year-old has lost 3 of her last 4 and needs a win this Saturday if she hopes to stay relevant in the flyweight division. VanZant is a pressure fighter who likes to keep her opponents against the cage and has been known to mix in takedowns when the situation warrants it.
Rachel Ostovich made her UFC debut as a cast member on The Ultimate Fighter 26. The 27-year-old Hawaiian is coming off a submission loss to Montana De La Rosa, and with .500 overall record, a loss here could end her run in the UFC. Ostovich is a scrappy fighter, who likes to take her opponents down and look for submissions.
Both women are fairly aggressive and neither of them seems to have a clear cut advantage in any one area. This contest should feature some exciting scrambles and good exchanges from a pair of fighters who desperately need a win. VanZant has faced stiffer competition, is the more experienced fighter, and may be slightly more athletic than her opponent. Unless Ostovich is able to smother the former Chopped contestant with her ground game, VanZant should be able to get the better of enough exchanges to earn the W.
Prediction: Paige VanZant via split decision.