Carla Esparza vs Michelle Waterson 5/9/20 - UFC 249 Picks & Predictions
The womens bout in the match on Saturday will feature a couple of fairly experienced fighters. They have both been able to do quite well for themselves. However, both of them are definitely looking to win this battle here against each other. What will be interesting is this is the first fight for each of the fighters in 2020.
Carla Esparza is stepping into the octogan for the first time since September 21, 2019. However, that win was a resounding win by a decision. The 5’1” 115 pound fighter comes in with a 16-6 record overall. However, the last 5 bouts for Esparza has ended up with a 3-2 record. The last two bouts were in 2019 and both were won by a decision.
Michelle Waterson is heading into the bout here with a 17-7 record in her career. She is coming into the bout with a slight height advantage at 5’3” and the weight is the same between the two fighters at 115 pounds. The last 5 bouts for Waterson have seen her go 3-2 as well. The last bout, though, Waterson was mopped on the octagon by Jedrzjczyk in what ended up being a full bout that was settled by a unanimous decision against her.
Esparza does use the Orthodox stance. Esparza does have more of a wrestling style type of fighting, but also has a slight reach advantage at 63 inches. Michelle Waterson is coming in with the Orthodox stance that has been a favorite for a lot of fighters, but does give up an inch in the reach at 62 inches. When it comes to the fighting style Waterson tends to follow more along the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
The fight here will be a good one and definitely not be a highlight type of match, but more of a run of the mill type of battle. The real difference here is the fact that Esparza is slightly shorter and has a longer reach, both of which will help to make her a smaller target to hit, but the longer reach keeps her out of striking distance. Winner Prediction, Carla Esparza.
