UFC 207: Nunes vs Rousey Date: December 30, 2016 Arena: T-Mobile Arena City: Las Vegas, NV Women’s Bantamweight title bout: Amanda Nunes (+130) vs Ronda Rousey (-140) Fight Breakdown: The main event for UFC 207 will be a former champ versus current champ matchup between former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion “Rowdy” Ronda Rousey and the current title holder Amanda “Lionheart” Nunes. Rousey is a slight -140 ($140 to win $100) betting favorite heading into the contest, with Nunes being a +130 underdog at Several Bookmakers. Amanda “Lionheart” Nunes (13-4 MMA, 6-1 UFC) last saw action at UFC 200 back in July, where she captured the UFC women’s bantamweight title with a dominant first round rear naked choke submission victory over Miesha Tate. She now enjoys a four fight winning streak inside the Octagon and will be looking to make it five straight by taking out the stiffest test of her professional mixed martial arts career in Rousey. Nunes is skilled both on the feet and on the mat, but she prefers to keep the fight standing where she uses her boxing and Muay Thai to damage her opponents. She has good footwork and throws solid combinations. Her takedown defense isn’t great, which could spell for trouble against Rousey. Nunes has a solid Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu game, both offensive and defensive, so she’s never afraid to hit the mat. Despite holding her own on the mat, the Brazilian much prefers getting the knockout and her resume reflects that sentiment, as 9 of her 13 career victories have come by way of T/KO. The three rear naked choke submission victories, including the latest over Tatee, have all come after she hurt hurt opponents on the feet. Training out of American Top Team in Coconut Creek, FL, Nunes has been improving her cardio, though I don’t think it is yet good enough for a 25-minute fight. I think she will be at a disadvantage in that department heading into this contest against Rousey. “Rowdy” Ronda Rousey (12-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) is coming off the first official loss of her professional mixed martial arts career over a year ago at UFC 193, losing her UFC women’s bantamweight title to Holly Holm, who then lost it to Miesha Tate, who in turn lost it to Nunes. Now back in action following her extended layoff, Rousey is determined to get her title back and return to her winning ways. The 29-year-old is an extraordinary grappler with an excellent submission game and phenomenal judo skills. She works beautiful takedowns and has great judo throws and tosses, which she favors to get her opponents down to the mat, as well as her inside trip and body-lock takedowns. She does a great job of tricking and baiting opponents into making mistakes that give openings for her to score her throws, tosses and general takedowns. The Strikeforce veteran has been showing solid improvements in her striking from fight to fight, though she will be at a technican disadvantage in that department against Nunes. “Rowdy” is an incredibly tough fighter who is full of heart and has no quit in her. Though she does not have the best cardio, I think she will have the advantage in that department heading into this matchup against the woman who holds the title that once belonged to her. Gabe’s Thoughts: Rousey is coming to win, and I think she gets the job done. I think this fight hits the mat sooner or later, where Rousey capitalizes on a Nunes mistake and takes home a submission victory, along with a new UFC bantamweight belt. It will most likely be a armbar, but a different submission would not surprise me. Gabe’s Call: Rousey by Submission (triangle choke, 3:14 round 1) Gabe’s Recommended Play: Ronda Rousey (-140) 7u to win 5u All of my content and plays are free. Your support is greatly appreciated. 
