UFC Fight Night Prelims Prediction: Bethe Correia vs Pannie Kianzad

The UFC women’s Bantamweight division is set to host another fan-friendly bout between Bethe Correia and Pannie Kianzad. The fight is placed on the preliminary portion of the fight card taking place in Abu Dhabi. Not to mention, the event marks the final trip of the promotion to Yas Island for July.

The scheduled bout is a prime opportunity for both women to showcase their skills to a wider audience. The UFC is one of the major active North American sporting league at the moment. This has brought new eyeballs to MMA. Moreover, the 135-pound weight class is shaping up to be a top seller for the company.

UFC Bantamweights: Bethe Correia vs Pannie Kianzad

The Brazilian ‘Pitbull’ has had an unstable going throughout 2019 with a 1-1 record in the company. She enters the bout as a seasoned veteran because of her stacked resume of facing former champions. Chiefly, she has been unable to convert her prime opportunities into consistent performances inside the octagon.

She faces a game fighter in Kianzad who holds more MMA professional fights on her record. Moreover, she will look to build off Correia’s name value with a statement performance against the latter. Her varied skill-set, mixed with her prowess on the feet, is perhaps the major discerning factor over Bethe.

The aforementioned pop in the mainstream landscape will serve as an additional motivator for both elite fighters. The reigning champion and consensus GOAT in Amanda Nunes has maintained a stranglehold over the division. Her sheer dominance has led to a lack of obvious contenders lined up to contest for undisputed gold.

In the context of the stylistic components of the matchup, questions surround Correia’s ability to take a clean shot. Kianzad is known for her crisp lateral movement with a clever injection of forward pressure. Not to mention her reach advantage over Bethe will create yet another considerable disadvantage to the Brazilian.

Given Pannie Kianzad’s run on ‘The Ultimate Fighter,’ and her ability to mask her offense effectively, she should come out on top. Fight fans can expect a grizzly fight as neither woman has quit in them.

Prediction: Pannie Kianzad via TKO, Round 2

SOURCE: Bethe Correia Sherdog, Pannie Kianzad Sherdog