UFC Iowa Matchup Prediction: Santos versus Tate – Odds, Forecast, Bet Choice
Get ready for some heated action in the UFC's Women's Bantamweight Division as we delve into the Featured Prelim bout at UFC Iowa!
UFC veterans collide as the No. 10-ranked Yana Santos faces off against No. 12 Miesha Tate in a thrilling clash for divisional positioning. Check out our Santos-Tate prediction and pick in the UFC odds series!
Standing at 5-foot-6 with a 68.5-inch reach, Yana Santos (15-8) has seen a mixed record inside the UFC, going 5-5 since 2018. After scoring back-to-back wins in 2020-21, she suffered three consecutive losses to Irene Aldana, Holly Holm, and Karol Rosa. However, she rebounded with a victory over Chelsea Chandler and is now set to take on a women's MMA legend.
Miesha Tate (20-9), who stands 5-foot-6 with a 65-inch reach, has gone 7-6 within the UFC since her debut in 2013. Following a loss to Amanda Nunes and a setback in 2016, she returned to MMA in 2021, posting a 2-2 record with two performance bonuses during her wins. Tate will look to keep climbing the ladder as the betting favorite in this fight.
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
Yana Santos displayed solid striking against a dominant grappler in Chelsea Chandler in her last fight. Her takedown defense was her strongest asset during that bout, allowing her to find a rhythm with her striking.
Throughout that fight, Santos managed the distance well and made effective use of her low leg kicks, eventually stifling Chandler’s movement and controlling the bout. Expect the leg kicks to be an important factor in this bout as Tate hasn’t faced much of that tactic in the past.
For Santos to emerge victorious, she'll need to be dominant in fending off takedown attempts and forcing her opponent to stand and trade blows with her. Santos lands almost double (4.42) significant strikes per minute compared to Tate (2.62) and does so at a 58% clip.
Why Miesha Tate Will Win
Miesha Tate demonstrated her toughness in her last fight, a trait she's been known for since becoming UFC champion. While she's not as athletic as she was in 2016, her fight IQ is among the best in the division, enabling her to find ways to win while exposing her opponents' vulnerabilities.
Tate's submission grappling hasn't waned, as evident from her last fight's outcome, so anticipate a similar approach from her as she seeks to take the fight to where she's most comfortable.
Miesha Tate also did a great job managing the striking distance in her last fight, even though she's struggled with dangerous strikers in the past. The veteran has shown an ability to refine and enhance her game throughout her career, and she appears to still have plenty left in the tank. If she can maintain her cardio, expect a high-energy combination of striking and setting up her takedowns.
Final Yana Santos-Miesha Tate Prediction & Pick
We must grant the striking advantage to Yana Santos and her ability to control the distance with her kicks and jab against Tate. However, Tate is skilled at compelling opponents to fight her style of bout, and she'll likely attempt regular takedowns throughout this one.
The debate here is close, with both fighters possessing paths to victory depending on their ability to impose their preferred fighting style. In the end, we favor Miesha Tate due to her versatility, adaptability, and proven ability to secure wins in different ways. Go with the betting favorite to secure the victory.
Final Yana Santos-Miesha Tate Prediction & Pick: Miesha Tate (-142)
Sources:1. https://www.sportsbettingdime.com/ufc/odds/ucf-282-santos-vs-tate-odds/2. https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2023/5/1/23667048/ufc-iowa-odds-full-card-santos-vs-tate-betting-lines-predictions-for-finland-event3. https://www.mmanews.com/ufc-iowa-odds-santos-vs-tate-millar-vs-figueroa-williams-vs-giraffa-amirkhani-vs-moises-latest-lines- Best-Bets4. https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/5/1/23666862/ufc-iowa-predictions-odds-santos-vs-tate-amirkhani-vs-moises-williams-vs-giraffa5. https://www.heavy.com/sports/ufc/news/ya-na-santos-ves-miesha-tate-ufc-iowa-odds-predictions-picks/
- In the UFC Women's Bantamweight Division playoffs, Yana Santos and Miesha Tate are set to engage in an interesting betting match.
- Yana Santos, known for her consistent striking skills, will be aiming to overcome the divisional veteran Miesha Tate, who is the odds favorite in this fight.
- As we delve into the UFC Iowa feature, the draft for the bout between Santos and Tate presents a unique opportunity for spectators, offering odds for over 4.5 rounds and under 4.5 rounds.
- Santos' performance in her last fight against Chelsea Chandler showcased her ability to defend takedowns and control the distance, making effective use of her low leg kicks.
- Miesha Tate, a UFC champion, is known for her toughness, fight IQ, and submission grappling skills, and she will attempt to take the fight to where she's most comfortable to secure her position in the playoffs.
