Women’s Bantamweight bout: Liz Carmouche (-600) vs Jessica Andrade (+450) Fight Breakdown: Kicking off the main card for UFC on FOX 8 is a women’s bantamweight bout between former US Marine Liz Carmouche and UFC newcomer Jessica Andrade. Carmouche is currently a steep favorite at -600 ($600 to win $100,) and the return on the underdog Andrade is +450 ($100 to win $450) at Several Bookmakerss. Liz Carmouche (8-3 MMA, 0-1 UFC) returns to the Octagon after her first UFC bout against Ronda Rousey, which was the first ever womens bout in UFC history. Liz had her moments but ultimately came up short against Rousey. Since the loss, she has been consistently working on improving her game at Team Hurricane Awesome in San Diego, CA., and is dedicated to climbing her way up to another shot at the Womens Bantamweight title. She came so close against Rousey she could taste it, and hasn’t yet lost that taste; her eyes are on the prize. Carmouche is still somewhat of a beginner in most aspects of mixed martial arts; her jiu-jitsu is elementary and her striking needs a lot of work. But for what she lacks in Boxing and Muay Thai, she more than makes up for with her power-heavy wrestling and nasty ground-and-pound. Liz Carmouche is physically very strong, has a really good chin, and excellent cardio. She is definitely a tough out for any lady at 135. Jessica Andrade (9-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC) makes her own mark in UFC history as she becomes the first female Brazilian to compete inside the Octagon, and she is ready for the task at hand. Andrade is a resilient fighter who can take punishment and dish it out. She is determined, hungry, and game for war. Her striking is mediocre at best, but ever-improving. Not very technical, but she packs power in her kicks and punches. On the ground, she is a submission ace. I don’t believe Octagon jitters will be an issue for Andrade, as she doesn’t seem to be the type who would be negatively affected by such a situation; I think she will dedicate herself entirely for this opportunity and is so mentally focused that Octagon jitters won’t begin to play a factor. Her cardio isn’t bad, either, but it’s not as good as Liz Carmouche’s. Andrade has seen the third round only once in her career; it was seven months ago and she lost (to Jennifer Maia) by Unanimous Decision. Win or lose, I expect Jessica Andrade to impress, and grow in the UFC, where I see her having a successful career. Fight Prediction: There will be plenty of action in this battle between two openly gay female warriors. Most are expecting a finish, as the Under 2.5 rounds prop is a near 2-to-1 favorite, but personally, I like the chances of this fight going the distance. Both women are tough and will give it their all. I expect this to be somewhat of a back-and-forth fight with Andrade getting the better of it. Gabe’s Pick: Jessica Andrade by Split Decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27) Gabe’s Recommended Plays: 3u on Jessica Andrade +3.5 +165 and Not Carmouche ITD +140, each. 2u on Jessica Andrade +450 and Fight Goes to Decision +180, each, and 1u on Andrade by Decision +850. — Contrary to the odds and popular opinion, I think Andrade wins this fight at least 50% of the time, so I see much value in these lines.
