The UFC APEX is back as the venue for a Fight Night event on the UFC schedule this weekend with a card full of exciting and important fights in multiple divisions. One of the most interesting bouts on the card has to be this welterweight showdown between former TUF champion Bryan Battle and AJ Fletcher.
Read more for a closer look at this matchup and the official Battle vs Fletcher prediction ahead of making your picks on this weekend’s betting slate. Looking at the UFC odds, we should be in for an exciting game!
Bryan Battle vs. AJ Fletcher Information
Bryan Battle vs AJ Fletcher
Location of the fight: UFC APEX. Las Vegas, NV.
Date and Time: Saturday, September 23. 10:00 PM ET
How to Watch: ESPN+
Last Fight Record
Battle is coming off a quick 14-second KO win over Gabe Green in May.
Fletcher is making his return after a second-round submission victory over Themba Gorimbo in February.
Bryan Battle vs. AJ Fletcher Betting Analysis
Bryan Battle
Battle is the former TUF 29 champion and has a professional MMA record of 9-2, with three TKO/KO wins and four submissions at the age of 28. He’s listed at 6’1” with a 77” reach while fighting out mainly the orthodox stance.
Battle averages 4.47 significant strikes landed and 4.00 significant strikes absorbed per minute in the UFC in his five fights. He is very dangerous off of his back as well, so he doesn’t shy away from getting taken down–proven by his sub-par 38% takedown defense.
AJ Fletcher
Fletcher is a 26-year-old professional MMA prospect with a record of 10-2, and nine of those victories have come with a finish. He has an impressive physique for a welterweight but lacks some length to his frame–measuring in at 5’10” with only a 67” reach.
In his four appearances in the octagon, Fletcher averages 3.54 significant strikes landed and 4.59 significant strikes absorbed per minute. His strength is when he gets his hands on opponents, averaging 1.92 takedowns per 15 minutes and 1.1 submissions.
Updates
No injuries have been reported to the UFC.
Bryan Battle vs. AJ Fletcher Betting Preview
Making UFC picks is the toughest thing to do in all of sports betting. And a fight like this just proves that sentiment. The Battle vs Fletcher prediction can be looked at as choosing between two even fighters, both having a 50/50 chance to win on Saturday night.
Even though this fight is very close, Battle is coming in as the -170 betting favorite over Fletcher at +145. The over/under is even at 2.5 rounds, with some books giving you a 1.5-round total as well. The fight is also favored to end inside the distance at -170.
Breaking Down the Fighter Styles
After watching the tape of both guys, the betting pick starts to formulate itself a little easier. Stylistically, Battle has a lot of opportunities to land some fight-changing shots and potential fight-enders.
Fletcher is a stocky guy who has tons of strength once he puts his hands on his opponents and gets them up against the cage. It’s very clear to see that Fletcher is not the best striker. And that’s not where he plans on winning fights. He likes to use his striking to cause pressure and chaos but always wants that to lead to a clinch or a takedown.
If Battle can keep his distance and use his feet better than he has in the past. This fight dramatically sways into Battle’s favor. The length and the sharpness of his striking will be very tough for Fletcher to handle.
Bryan Battle vs. AJ Fletcher Betting Prediction
- The official Battle vs Fletcher prediction is that Battle will score another KO victory and propel himself into a pretty big fight in the welterweight division outside of the rankings.
The way Fletcher paws out his jab and throws very telegraphed, slow punches while standing squared up to his opponents is a recipe for disaster. Battle always seems to go into the bout with a strong understanding of his game plan. And maybe even a specific shot that he finds before the fight starts–just from breaking down the film and seeing trends.
If you love sports and want more sports betting information follow us as @InsidersBetDig on Twitter and sign up to our mailing list for free betting picks.