Macy Chiasson vs. Ketlen Vieira: Expert Predicts Outcome of UFC on ESPN 68 Bout
In a last-minute development, the upcoming bout between Macy Chiasson and Ketlen Vieira at UFC on ESPN 68 has been reweighed, with both fighters now set to compete at featherweight. According to MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom, this change in plans could have significant implications for the outcome of the fight.
The two top-ranked bantamweights are set to face off on the main card of UFC on ESPN 68, which takes place at UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Chiasson, who boasts a record of 10-3 in MMA and 8-3 in the UFC, is coming off back-to-back wins at 135 pounds. Her most recent victories include a first-round stoppage of Pannie Kianzad last March and a second-round TKO of Mayra Bueno Silva last June. Notably, Chiasson has previous experience competing at featherweight, having secured a split decision victory over Norma Dumont in her last fight at that weight.
On the other hand, Vieira (14-4 MMA, 8-4 UFC) has had a more challenging time with weight cuts, having come in heavy for the second time in her UFC tenure. The Brazilian fighter, who has not competed at 145 pounds during her UFC run, will look to bounce back from a unanimous decision loss to Kayla Harrison at UFC 307 in October. Prior to that setback, she had secured a unanimous decision victory over Pannie Kianzad in July 2023.
Dan Tom, a seasoned MMA analyst for MMA Junkie, has shared his expert insights on the upcoming bout. According to Tom, the weight change could bode badly for Vieira, who requested the change. "Although I was already picking Chiasson to win, it worries me for Vieira’s sake that the Brazilian was the one who requested the weight change," Tom noted.
Tom further elaborated that both fighters are large for the division and have struggled with making weight, but this move from Vieira could negatively impact her already suspect output in fights. In contrast, Chiasson has appeared to be trending upward, finally seeming to put all her skills together. "It’s probably a bolder prediction than I’m making it out to be, but I have a sneaky suspicion that Chiasson will turn up the heat and get Vieira out of there via a second-round submission," Tom predicted.
The oddsmakers and the public slightly favor Chiasson, with FanDuel listing her as -120, while Vieira is at -102. The fight is expected to start at approximately 9:40 p.m. ET and will broadcast on ESPN+.
As reported by MMA Junkie, this bout between two top-ranked bantamweights has generated significant interest among MMA fans. With the weight change and the fighters’ respective strengths and weaknesses, this bout promises to be an exciting and closely contested matchup.
The expert analysis provided by Dan Tom of MMA Junkie highlights the complexities of this matchup and provides valuable insights for fans and bettors alike. As the fight approaches, fans can expect an intense and thrilling contest between two talented fighters.
In conclusion, the upcoming bout between Macy Chiasson and Ketlen Vieira at UFC on ESPN 68 promises to be an electrifying matchup. With the weight change and the fighters’ respective strengths and weaknesses, fans can expect a closely contested fight. According to MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom, Chiasson has a strong chance of emerging victorious, potentially via a second-round submission.
