UFC 253: Sijara Eubanks Vs Ketlen Vieira- Prediction And Analysis

Thirteenth ranked Sijara Eubanks will take on seventh-ranked Ketlen Vieira at UFC 253 in Abu Dhabi. The two women will collide in a bantamweight bout as they aim to chase down champion Amanda Nunes. The fight adds to an already stacked card as the UFC prepares to make its return to Fight Island following a successful first stint. Both women will look to earn an impressive win as they aim to build their case for a title shot against the ‘Lioness’ 

Sijara Eubanks vs Ketlen Vieira is a must-watch fight at bantamweight

Eubanks made her debut with the UFC in June 2018. She won her first two fights against Lauren Murphy and Roxanne Modafferi. Following this, she slumped to back-to-back defeats against Aspen Ladd and Bethe Correia. ‘SarJ’ then bounced back in convincing fashion with wins in her last two fights against Sarah Moras and Julia Avila.

The 35-year-old is a multiple-time world Jiu-Jitsu champion. This makes it surprising for fans to comprehend how she is yet to secure a win via submission. It might be a factor in the fight as Ketlen Vieira averages 2.03 takedowns per 15 minutes in the UFC. She has also secured 40% of her wins via submission. On paper, Eubanks has the advantage on the ground which can be a key to victory for the American fighter. 

Ketlen Vieira made her UFC debut in 2016 and won her first four fights beating the likes of Kelly Faszholz, Ashlee Evans-Smith, Sara McMann, and Cat Zingano. However, in her last fight, she succumbed to a defeat against Irene Aldana via a first-round KO at UFC 245. 

Vieira has a proven submission prowess. Unfortunately for her, she faces a multiple-time world champion black belt fighter who could match her. Hence, taking the fight to the ground may not be an avenue to victory for her. Vieira will hope to keep the fight standing where she has a better chance. A takedown defense of 92% will help her keep the fight away from the ground and work her way to a decision.

‘Fenomeno’ landed 2.74 significant strikes per minute which will help her in hurting her opponent. However, Eubanks landed a devastating 4.71 significant strikes per minute in the UFC. This is almost double of Vieira’s puts put hence, she has her work cut out on September 26. 

The fight between these two women will be extremely exciting. Given the advantage, ‘SarJ’ has over Viera in striking, and on the ground. Hence, Eubanks should be able to extend her winning streak to 3-0. 

Prediction: Sijara Eubanks via Unanimous decision.

Read: UFC 253 Israel Adesanya Vs Paulo Costa predictions and analysis