Gamblers have their eye on a promising Saturday women’s strawweight bout. Carla Esparza and Marina Rodriguez could have the best UFC on ESPN bout of the night. In some ways, the UFC betting matchup may be a changing of the guard. Of course, Esparza is known as the initial strawweight champion. Her place in history is secured with that accomplishment. Rodriguez has been making a rapid climb to championship contender status. So too is this matchup between the top ten combatants. Rodriguez is lower-ranked but has opened as the favorite. Let’s take a look at this matchup!
UFC on ESPN – Esparza vs. Rodriguez – Women’s Strawweight Bout
| Date and Time: | Saturday, July 25, 2020, 11 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | UFC Fight Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates |
| UFC on ESPN Main Card TV Coverage: | ESPN |
UFC on ESPN Esparza vs. Rodriguez SBG Odds:
| Fighters | Odds |
|---|---|
| Carla Esparza | +158 |
| Marina Rodriguez | -180 |
Carla Esparza vs. Marina Rodriguez – Women’s Strawweight Bout SBG Odds Overview
Increasingly more gamblers are siding with Marina Rodriguez. Her offshore betting price has steadily increased over the past several days. Sharps will give Carla Esparza a hard look due to her championship pedigree.
Carla Esparza Profile and Record
Carla “Cookie Monster” Esparza, age 32, was the first-ever UFC strawweight champion. Additionally, she was the first Invicta FC strawweight champion. She won the UFC strawweight title belt in a 16-woman tournament. Esparza has competed in Bellator, XFC and MEZ Sports, Invicta FC, and the UFC. She is fighting out of Redondo Beach, California.
Record: 17-6, Country: the United States, Height: five feet, one inch, Weight: 115 pounds, Reach: 63 inches,Leg Reach: 35 inches, Win By KO/TKO: 19%, Submission: 25%, Decision: 56%, Average Fight Time: 14:02, Knockdown Average: 0, Significant Strikes landed per minute: 2.22, Significant Strikes: 40%, Absorbed per minute: 2.86, Defense: 53%, Grappling takedown average: 3.53, Takedown Accuracy: 36%, Takedown Defense: 48%, Submission Average: 0.32
Marina Rodriguez Profile and Record
Fighting out of Brazil is Mariana Rodriguez, age 33. Owing to her participation in Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series is where she made her fame.
Record: 12-0-2, Country: Brazil, Height: five feet, six inches, Weight: 115 pounds, Reach: 65 inches, Leg Reach: 38.5 inches, Win By KO/TKO: 42%, Submission: 8%, Decision: 50%, Average Fight Time: 15:00, Knockdown Average: 0.33, Significant Strikes landed per minute: 5.82, Significant Strikes: 51%, Absorbed per minute: 3.27, Defense: 58%, Grappling takedown average: 0.33,
Takedown Accuracy: 20%, Takedown Defense: 84%, Submission Average: 0.33
Carla Esparza Recent Form
Late on Carla Esparza has won three MMA betting matchups in a row. May 9, 2020, was a split decision win over Michelle Waterson. Before that was a majority decision win over Alexa Grasso.
Marina Rodriguez Recent Form
The last time out for Marina Rodriguez was December 7, 2019. Rodriguez scored a draw against Cynthia Calvillo. Most important of all she remains undefeated in her UFC career. Previously Rodriguez won a unanimous decision over Tecia Torres.
Carla Esparza vs. Marina Rodriguez SBG Free Picks
On this occasion, we have a UFC betting matchup of ranked fighters in good form. Carla Esparza brings excellent ability at an attractive price. Look for her championship experience to pay off here.
Esparza vs. Rodriguez SBG Best Bet: Carla Esparza