UFC 273 Prediction: This Pick Is a Lock for Mackenzie Dern vs. Tecia Torres
UFC 273 Prediction: This Pick Is a Lock for Mackenzie Dern vs. Tecia Torres
There has been a lot of speculation concerning who would prevail in the clash of strawweight contenders Tecia Torres and MacKenzie Dern. Even though "The Tiny Tornado" had opened as a slight favorite at the hands of the bookies, the public perception of the bout has caused the lines to flip in favor of "The Big Rig" subsequently. While it is worthy to note how the line movement has been running rampant through and through, there is more to uncover and break down if you want to put a wager on this bout.
Click Here for Mackenzie Dern vs Tecia Torres Odds
Mackenzie Dern is a predominantly ferocious grappler from a strong jujitsu foundation that looks to take her opponents down and find the subsequent stranglehold or ligament break. However, she is pretty one-dimensional. As of the Virna Jandirobha fight, she has noticeably improved her standup, with reports coming in that she has been getting private sessions with UFC legend Luke Rockhold in between camps. Nevertheless, against the upper echelon of the division, she will have to rely on her bread and butter skillet of grappling if she is ever to get a whiff of title contention.
Facing her this Saturday across the octagon is the Puerto Rican powerhouse in Tecia Torres. This 5 foot 1 titan has, in my opinion, one of the highest fight IQs in the game. Where she lacks in size, she makes up for in speed and ability to win minutes. Not since Stephen Wonderboy Thompson have I seen a fighting style so friendly and geared towards scoring with the judges. If the last few performances are any indication, Tecia has honed in on said style with perfection and grace.
Her path to victory will stem from racking up points through blitzes and flurries, all while having to avoid the occasional single leg takedown from Dern. Although the previous line movement mentioned above indicates that Mackenzie will enforce her will at a higher clip, do not be fooled, as her 10 percent takedown hit rate and Tecias well above average takedown defense will no doubt, in my mind, institute a stalemate in the grappling category.
With the ground fighting nullified, look for "The Tiny Tornado" to catch Ms. Dern repeatedly and then pepper her face with numerous strikes, cruising efficiently and effortlessly to a unanimous decision.
Mackenzie Dern vs. Tecia Torres Pick
- Tecia Torres ML (+100) (Bet $100 to Win $100)