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Former women’s strawweight champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk (14-2, 4 KOs, 1 SUB) will meet No. 5 Tecia Torres (10-2, 1 SUB) at UFC on FOX 30 on Saturday, July 28, 2018 at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta. The main card airs live on FOX starting 8pm ET following the FOX prelims.
After starting her career 14-0 and reigning as the most dominant women’s champion of the past few years, Joanna Jedrzejczyk is in an unfamiliar position. Two straight losses - both title matches - to Rose Namajunas has knocked the Polish kickboxer down the 115-pound ladder. This Saturday, JJ fights in her first non-title match since 2015.
This is an extremely important fight for the former champ. After blazing through the weight class, putting herself on a pedestal and falling victim to her own hype, JJ has got to prove that her losses were the result of a bad style matchup and nothing else. Is she she the same fighter that dominated world-class contenders like Karolina Kowalkiewicz and Jessica Andrade? Or was her losses a sign of things to come - a meteoric rise to heights she’ll never be able to recapture?
Tecia Torres is the perfect opponent to bring the answers to light. The 28-year old is a perennial contender with no real weaknesses and plenty of physical blessings. The Tiny Tornado is one of the division’s better athletes, and every bit as strong as her muscular frame implies. While there are a few limitations that could very well keep her from becoming a legit title contender, there’s no shame in being an elite gatekeeper either.
On paper, pairing Joanna’s best-in-class Muay Thai against Torres’ taekwondo stylings should produce an awesome, fan-friendly fight. Let’s take a look at the UFC odds at BookMaker.eu and break down your best betting options.
UFC Odds at BookMaker.eu
Joanna Jedrzejczyk -260
Tecia Torres +200
Fight goes/doesn’t go to decision: -280 / +200
Striking Stats
Significant strikes landed p/m: JJ 6.63 / Torres 4.74
Accuracy: JJ 48.53% / Torres 49.39%
Significant strikes absorbed p/m: JJ 2.71 / Torres 2.98
Defense: JJ 68.16% / Torres 66.08%
Grappling Stats
Takedown average: JJ 0.17 / Torres 0.95
Takedown accuracy: JJ 66.67% / Torres 22.58%
Takedowns defended: JJ 80.9% / Torres 42.85%
Submission average: JJ 0 / Torres 0.14
Matchup Preview
Let’s get one thing out of the way: there won’t be much wrestling in this matchup. Both women prefer to strike, and Torres is smart enough to waste her energy trying to take down somebody with stellar takedown defense. Thug Rose pretty much called it when she said that all of Joanna’s previous opponents were too focused on getting her to the mat and paid for it.
But Torres’ path to victory on the feet can’t be the same as Rose’s. For one, Namajunas is a tall, lanky and creative striker. Torres is short, compact and much more technical with her standup. Physically both strong and fast, the ATT product deftly uses her karate and TKD background to land quick, accurate combinations.
Is that enough against one of the best Muay Thai practitioners in the sport? Probably not, as JJ’s length and strike speed surpasses Tecia’s. What we’ll likely see it Torres trying to make this a clinch battle, where he squat frame can trap the wiry Jedrzejczyk against the fence. If she keeps the former champ against the fence and thump away with dirty boxing, she could definitely steal some rounds.
UFC Odds Pick: Fight goes the distance at -280
In 12 pro fights, Tecia has only stopped one opponent - she’s never been finished either. Jedrzejczyk has gone to decision in five of her last six fights, all of which been scheduled for 25 minutes. This one’s going to the judges, and the price makes it nothing more than a parlay booster.
UFC Odds Pick: Jedrzejczyk to win at -260
Joanna has thoroughly beaten fighters with Tecia’s strengths. She tuned up an even bigger, stronger marcher in Jessica Andrade, and outstruck fellow plus strikers like Karolina Kowalkiewicz. Unless JJ’s mental game is completely shot - and it’s doubtful considering how much she feels herself - this is an easy call for the former champ. Parlay this with the former bet to maximize your payout.
Bet on UFC odds at BookMaker.eu
Access live betting lines from your mobile device at BookMaker sportsbook! Real-time spreads, totals, props and money line are all available so start betting with BookMaker today. UFC Fight UFC on FOX 30 takes place on Saturday, July 28, 2018 at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta. The main card airs live on FOX starting 8pm ET following the FOX prelims.
