The UFC is back on our screens again this December 7 at the Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. The lineup is full of intrigue, and some of these matchups are going to be hard to call. The good news is we have done the work for you, and our previews will give you everything you need to back a winning fighter. Now’s the time to find out what we predict will happen at the UFC on ESPN 7 event.
The Main Event: Overeem (-125) vs. Rozenstruik (+100)
The 39-year-old UK born Dutchman comes into this fight as the favorite, and his opponent is a bit of a surprise package making this battle a difficult call. Overeem has been around the UFC for a long time, and his record shows 45 wins and seventeen defeats over a career spanning nine years. Last time he entered the Octagon, it was a first-round knockout for his adversary Oleinik.
He overpowered the Russian at Fight Night 149, and although that was back in April, he still has what it takes to win this one. There is no doubt he is edging closer to the end of his career in the UFC. Every win at this point in his career will add to his impressive legacy, and the former World UFC and K-1 Kickboxing Champion will be ready.
Rozenstruik is relatively new to the UFC roster, but he has made a name for himself already with nine impressive victories. He is yet to taste defeat, and that makes him a challenging prospect for any fighter he faces. Rozenstruik matches his opponent in height but is eight years younger, and this could make the difference.
His last fight ended in a spectacular first-round KO, and the contest before that he won after nine seconds. Crowder couldn’t cope with his explosive fighting style, and it took only four strikes to end it. Overeem will be well aware of what could happen if he allows himself to be caught early in this bout.
Co-Main: Rodriguez (-140) vs. Calvillo (+110)
Marina Rodriguez has won twelve UFC fights in her career to date and comes into this battle as the marginal favorite. The Brazilian has been sensational in the UFC, and she has enough stamina to beat almost anybody in her division. Her last appearance was a victory by a decision as she beat Torres, and she eased past Aguilar earlier this year again thanks to the judges.
Calvillo matches her opponent in age and weight, but she is at a disadvantage when it comes to reach and height. She is also undefeated in 2019 and comes into this one off the back of a decision win over Cortney Casey. That was a while back in February, so Calvillo needs to reach the intensity level displayed in that battle. If she can, there is a good chance of her winning in this one. It was a hard call to make in the end, but we are going with the bookmaker’s favorite here and some insight from Bet Today USA
Struve (+110) vs. Rothwell (-140)
Struve is the underdog in this one without a doubt, but he has the potential to cause an upset if he approaches this fight in the right way. His record in the UFC is decent, with 29 wins and eleven defeats. He is one of the best-known fighters in the UFC due to his imposing height at 7’0” tall, the tallest competitor in history. That means his reach is his main danger, and staying away from the “skyscraper” is the top priority for Rothwell.
The height advantage of his opponent helps in some ways, and Rothwell will be looking to take this one down to the mat. If he can do that, there is a good chance it will be over quickly, but Rothwell is very dangerous on his feet too. Rothwell is the more experienced at 39 years old, with 36 career victories, so obviously, he knows how to win. If he can cause Struve enough damage in the early stages of this bout, it’ll be his fight to lose.
The Verdict
December is shaping up to be a month with more than enough UFC to keep us occupied. Keep an eye on the news and odds as the event approaches, and you can take advantage of better odds as they fluctuate. We will be back next week with another UFC update, so be sure to come back again and check it out. Enjoy the event UFC fans; it’s going to be one to remember.