The UFC yesterday announced three new bouts, and for today’s MMA Odds and Ends I’ll give my quick thoughts on them. Roland Delorme vs. Yuta Sasaki, UFC Fight Night 48 A bantamweight bout between veteran Roland Delorme and UFC newcomer Yuta Sasaki was added to UFC Fight Night 48, which takes place August 23 at CotaiArena in Macau, China. Sasaki has had a ton of success on the Japanese regional circuit while Delorme is coming off two-straight losses and is clinging to his roster spot. It seems like the UFC is just using Delorme as a stepping stone for up-and-coming prospects at this point, and I have a feeling he’s going to lose this fight and be sent packing from the Octagon. Look for Sasaki to be a small favorite in this bout, and if he does win the UFC could have another nice prospect at 135lbs on their hands. Yancy Medeiros vs. Justin Edwards, UFC 177 A lightweight bout between Yancy Medeiros and Justin Edwards is the latest addition to UFC 177, which takes place August 30 at Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento, California. This is an intriguing matchup between two lightweights on losing streaks in desperate need of a win. Medeiros is 0-2, 1 NC in the UFC and is coming off a very disappointing submission loss to Jim Miller in his last fight, while Edwards is 2-4 overall with two-straight losses in his last two outings. What makes it intriguing is that Medeiros was chocked out with a guillotine by Miller in his last fight, and the guillotine choke is Edwards’ signature move. The other part that’s intriguing is that both fighters used to fight at higher weight classes before dropping down to 155lbs, where neither has found much success. Although Edwards is a tough dude with a solid chin, Medeiros does have the edge in striking and as long as he keeps this fight on the feet he should have the advantage. But if it goes to the ground, don’t be surprised to see Edwards lock in his finishing move for the win. Still, Medeiros will be the favorite. Jessica Andrade vs. Valerie Letourneau, UFC Fight Night 51 And finally, a women’s bantamweight match between Jessica Andrade and Valerie Letourneau was added to UFC Fight Night 51, which takes place September 13 at Ginasio Nilson Nelson in Brasilia, Brazil. This should be a pretty exciting fight between two woman who love to stand in the pocket and trade shots. Andrade is a lot younger, though, so she should be able to throw a higher volume and keep up a better pace, but Letourneau is extremely tough and if Andrade does for whatever reason gas from throwing too much, Letourneau could turn on the jets late and take the lead. Still, I favor Andrade in this matchup, especially in her home country, and expect her to come through with a decision win. Look for her to be the favorite here, at least 2-to-1 and possibly closer to 3-to-1.
