- Reed Kuhn is a Silicon Valley entrepreneur, and strategy and analytics consultant. He is the author of “Fightnomics: The Hidden Numbers and Science in Mixed Martial Arts,” the first book to quantify drivers and performance metrics in combat sports.
The UFC remains in Las Vegas for the remainder of June, which means that because of travel restrictions, the competition will continue to draw from its roster of fighters already in the U.S. We’re starting to see rapid rebookings as a result of the lack of talent available. Both Charles Rosa and Ray Borg are bouncing back from losses just last month to compete again this week. Interestingly, both are underdogs. These rebookings are likely to happen again over the coming weeks, so pay attention to the effect of the short layoff this week before it becomes a larger pattern.
This fight card is also notable for the low average weight of the fighters. Only three of 11 matchups will take place over 145 pounds, and one of those is only because Rosa and Kevin Aguilar are moving up to lightweight from featherweight. Despite seeing the majority of fights the past two weeks in the small UFC cage end inside the distance, this throwback lineup to the WEC might drag down the finishing average.
Prelims begin at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN/ESPN+, and the main card starts at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN/ESPN+.
Odds courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook.
Women’s flyweight main event: No. 1 Jessica Eye (-125) vs. Cynthia Calvillo (+115)
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