UFC Iowa Match Prediction: Santos vs. Tate Odds and Expected Winner
Get ready for a gripping showdown as UFC vets Yana Santos and Miesha Tate square off in the Women's Bantamweight (135) Division at UFC Iowa. Taking a dive into the action, Santos, ranked No. 10, faces off against No. 12 Tate in a thrilling bout for divisional positioning. If you're hankering for a betting prediction, check out our Santos-Tate prediction and pick below.
With a 5-5 record inside the UFC since 2018, Santos, standing tall at 5-foot-6 with a reach of 68.5 inches, has seen a mix of four wins and five losses. After racking up back-to-back wins in 2020-21, she stumbled with three consecutive losses against Irene Aldana, Holly Holm, and Karol Rosa. However, she bounced back with a victory over Chelsea Chandler and now aims to make a mark against a legendary figure in women's MMA.
Miesha Tate, a stalwart at 5-foot-6 with a 65-inch reach, boasts a 7-6 record inside the UFC since her debut in 2013. After succumbing to Amanda Nunes in her quest for the belt, followed by a 2016 loss, she made her comeback in 2021 with a 2-2 record and two performance bonuses, setting her sights on climbing the division ladder as the betting favorite here.
Now, let's take a look at the UFC Iowa odds, courtesy of DraftKings:
UFC Iowa Odds: Yana Santos-Miesha Tate Odds
Yana Santos: +120
Miesha Tate: -142
Over 4.5 rounds: -395
Under 4.5 rounds: +280
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Why Yana Santos Will Win
- Last Fight: (W) Chelsea Chandler - U DEC
- Last 5: 2-3
- Finishes: 7 KO/TKO, 1 SUB
Santos delivered an impressive striking performance against a formidable grappler, Chelsea Chandler, in her last fight. Despite being outmatched in that bout, her remarkable takedown defense proved to be a significant asset as she established a steady rhythm with her striking thereafter. Throughout their encounter, Santos expertly managed the distance and made effective use of her low leg kicks, eventually stifling Chandler's movement and securing a dominant victory. Expect the leg kicks to play a key role in this fight, as her opponent may struggle with this tactic given her past.
For Santos to emerge victorious, she'll need to be equally effective in thwarting takedown attempts and forcing her opponent to stand and trade blows with her. She boasts almost double the significant strikes per minute (4.42) compared to Tate (2.62) and a higher accuracy rate (58%). Mastering the art of distance management, Santos' jab could be a valuable weapon in putting pressure on Tate and preventing her from getting close. If she keeps this bout on the feet, she stands an excellent chance against a great grappler.
Why Miesha Tate Will Win
- Last Fight: (W) Julia Avila - SUB (rear naked choke, R3)
- Last 5: 2-3
- Finishes: 4 KO/TKO, 8 SUB
Miesha Tate demonstrated her resilience in her last outing, showcasing tremendous heart since her reign as UFC champion. Although she may no longer possess the same athletic prowess she had in 2016, her fight IQ ranks among the best in the division, and she utilizes her opponents' weaknesses to her advantage. Her submission grappling has remained formidable, evident in her victory via R3 submission against Julia Avila.
Miesha Tate excelled in managing the striking distance during her last fight. While she has had her struggles with dangerous strikers in the past, she has demonstrated an ability to adapt and evolve her game. With an intriguing fusion of striking and grappling, she consistently puts pressure on her opponents, leaving little room for error. If she can maintain her cardio, we could be in store for a high-octane, action-packed contest.
Final Yana Santos-Miesha Tate Prediction & Pick
Yana Santos and Miesha Tate appear evenly matched, with Santos holding a distinct striking advantage, while Tate's grappling skills are impressive. However, given Tate's experience and the potential for her winning in multiple ways, we're siding with the betting favorite in Miesha Tate. While Santos' odds may seem enticing, we favor Tate's wealth of experience and her versatility in finding the path to victory.
Final Yana Santos-Miesha Tate Prediction & Pick: Miesha Tate (-142)
- In the upcoming Women's Bantamweight Division bout at UFC Iowa between Yana Santos and Miesha Tate, the oddsmakers seem to favor Tate, with her having odds of -142.
- Given Santos' mixed record and Tate's impressive come back with two performance bonuses, it seems that Miesha Tate aims to climb the division ladder as the betting favorite.
- With Santos' excellent striking performance in her last fight against Chelsea Chandler and Tate's resilience in her recent bout against Julia Avila, this bout promises to be a thrilling showdown for divisional positioning.
- For those interested in betting on this fight, it's predicted that Miesha Tate is the safer pick, based on her experience and versatility in finding the path to victory.
