Miguel Baeza vs. Punahele Soriano UFC Fight Night Prediction, Picks, Start Time, Odds

Miguel Baeza vs. Punahele Soriano UFC Fight Night Prediction, Picks, Start Time, Odds

Fight Date:

July 2, 2023

Start Time:

10:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM PT

Venue:

UFC Apex, Las Vegas, Nevada

Division:

Welterweight

Background:

Miguel Baeza (11-3) returns to the octagon after a successful performance at UFC 282, where he defeated Jordan Wright via unanimous decision. Known for his aggressive striking and well-rounded grappling, Baeza aims to continue his winning streak and climb up the welterweight ladder. Punahele Soriano (9-2) is a highly touted prospect who has impressed in his UFC career. With a background in kickboxing, Soriano possesses exceptional striking power and a relentless pace. He’s coming off a first-round TKO victory over Dalcha Lungiambula at UFC Fight Night 219 and looks to make a statement against Baeza.

Prediction:

This is an intriguing matchup between two talented welterweights. Both fighters have excellent striking skills, but Soriano’s size and power could be significant advantages. However, Baeza’s experience and well-roundedness could prove crucial in a close fight. In the end, we predict a hard-fought victory for Punahele Soriano. His relentless pressure and superior size should eventually overwhelm Baeza and lead to a stoppage win.

Picks:

*

Winner:

Punahele Soriano *

Method of Victory:

KO/TKO

Odds:

* Punahele Soriano: -185 * Miguel Baeza: +155

Start Time:

* 10:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM PT

How to Watch:

* ESPN+Miguel Baeza vs. Punahele Soriano: UFC on ESPN 57 Preview

Miguel Baeza vs. Punahele Soriano: UFC on ESPN 57 Preview

Matchup Overview:

Miguel Baeza and Punahele Soriano will face off in the main card opener of UFC on ESPN 57 on Saturday at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky. Both fighters are known for their exciting fighting styles and have experienced recent struggles.

Miguel Baeza:

Baeza entered the UFC with a strong start, winning his first three fights in the second round. However, he has since lost three consecutive fights, including back-to-back stoppages. He will look to regain momentum in this matchup.

Punahele Soriano:

Soriano also made an impressive start to his UFC career, winning his first two fights in the first round. He has since struggled and is currently on a 1-4 skid. He will aim to rebound and improve his UFC record.

Expert Pick and Prediction:

Despite Baeza’s recent struggles, he is the slight favorite in the matchup according to oddsmakers. However, Soriano’s power and southpaw stance could pose a threat to Baeza’s chin. Analyst Dan Tom predicts Soriano to pull off a surprising knockout victory in round 2.

Odds:

* Miguel Baeza: -184 * Punahele Soriano: +142

Fight Time and How to Watch:

The fight is expected to take place at approximately 8:05 PM ET and will be broadcast live on ESPN and streamed on ESPN+.

Additional Information:

* Visit MMA Junkie’s events hub for more information about UFC on ESPN 57. * The original story appeared on MMA Junkie.Las Vegas – Miguel Baeza and Puna Soriano will face off in a middleweight bout at UFC on ESPN 57 on Saturday, July 22. Baeza is coming off a unanimous decision win over Dakota Bush in February, while Soriano is coming off a first-round knockout win over Dalcha Lungiambula in March. Baeza is a well-rounded fighter with good striking and grappling skills. He is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and has a strong wrestling background. Soriano is a powerful striker with good knockout power. He is also a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, but is more comfortable on the feet. The fight is expected to be a close one, with both fighters having a chance to win. However, Baeza is a slight favorite due to his more well-rounded game. Here are the betting odds for the fight: * Miguel Baeza: -140 * Puna Soriano: +120 The fight is scheduled to start at 4:00 PM ET / 1:00 PM PT on Saturday, July 22. It will be the main event of the UFC on ESPN 57 card.