For the first time in UFC history, the popular mixed-martial-arts outfit will be staging an event in Rio Rancho, though, Dana White’s company has also been to nearby Alburqueque before, when the UFC had a Fight Night there in 2014, featuring a headline bout between Benson Henderson and Rustam Khabilov. This time, the main event will be a rematch showdown between light heavyweights Corey Anderson and Jan Błachowicz.
Betting Preview for UFC Fight Night 167 Featuring Corey Anderson vs. Jan Błachowicz and the Other Big Cards on February 15 2020
Where: Santa Ana Star Center, Rio Rancho
When: Saturday, February 15, 2020
Odds: View all current UFC odds
TV Broadcast: ESPN+
Corey Anderson (-240) vs. Jan Błachowicz (+180)
Light Heavyweight
It’s been almost five years since Anderson and Błachowicz last fought. Anderson won the first fight via unanimous decision in September of 2015. The two are on a collision course once again, as both are looking to increase their chances to earn a title fight. Anderson is ranked fifth in the light heavyweight division, while Błachowicz is No. 6. Anderson (14-4-0) has won all of his last four fights, including a knockout in the first round against Johnny Walker last September. Błachowicz, meanwhile, is 6-2-0 over his last eight fights.
Writer’s Prediction:
Anderson knocks out Błachowicz.
Diego Sanchez (+140) vs. Michel Pereira (-170)
Welterweight
Sanchez (30-12-0) is way past his prime, but he’s still fighting. He experienced a resurgence recently, winning two fights in a row by beating Craig White (via unanimous decision) and Mickey Gall (via knockout). His momentum was stopped though when he lost to Micheal Chiesa (unanimous decision) in July of last year. Pereira is also coming off a loss, as he got a UD loss at the hands of Tristan Connelly last September. A striker, Pereira (22-10-0) has nine knockout wins against a knockout loss. He also has a 6-1 submission record.
Writer’s Prediction:
Sanchez takes out Pereira via knockout.
Montana De La Rosa (-175) vs. Mara Romero Borella (+145)
Women’s Flyweight
De La Rosa, the 12th-ranked fighter in the women’s flyweight division, had her four-fight win streak snapped last June in a unanimous decision loss to Andrea Lee during the undercard of UFC Fight Night: Moicano vs. The Korean Zombie. Prior to that, De La Rosa(10-5-1) scored four victories in a row, all via submissions. She owns an 8-1 submission record. Borella (12-6-0) knows a thing or two about making opponents tap, too. She has five wins by way of submissions.
Writer’s Prediction:
De La Rosa via armbar submission.
Brok Weaver (-300) vs. Kazula Vargas (+220)
Lightweight
It’s been a while since Weaver suffered a loss. He was the winner in each of his past seven fights, including a unanimous decision victory against Devin Smyth in August of 2019. Weaver has proven cardio. Six of his last seven fights had heard the final bell sound. Weaver (14-4-0) will have a two-inch and 1.5-inch height and reach advantages, respectively, against Vargas, who will look to rebound from a unanimous decision loss to Alex Da Silva last August. Vargas likes to stand up and bang. He has six knockout wins and has never been knocked out in his MMA career.
Writer’s Prediction:
Weaver wins via unanimous decision.
Rogério Bontorin (+120) vs.Ray Borg (-150)
Flyweight
Bontorin is on a roll. This weekend, the Brazilian will look to extend his unbeaten streak to five fights. Three of the fights in that span didn’t need the judges to decide the fight, with Bontorin scoring two knockout wins, a submission and a split decision in those. Bontorin (16-1-0) has three knockout wins and has yet to be knocked out. A Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner, Bontorin has an 11-1 submission record. Borg, on the other hand, prevented a three-fight losing skid after scoring a unanimous decision with over Gabriel Silva in July of last year. Borg (12-4-0) will lean on his grappling to negate Bontorin’s ground game and on his experience. He’s been in a UFC title fight before, albeit in a loss to Demetrious Johnson in 2017.
Writer’s Prediction:
Bontorin upsets Borg in a knockout win.
Lando Vannata (-115) vs. Yancy Medeiros (-115)
Lightweight
Vannata started his MMA career with eight wins in a row, earning him a ticket to the UFC. However, since his entry into the UFC, he’s won just two of eight fights. Vannata isn’t just fighting for relevance in the lightweight division. He’s also in need of a win to avoid being cut by the company. Vannata is coming off a unanimous decision loss to Marc Diakiese in September of last year. Vannata (10-4-1) has four wins by knockouts and five via submissions. Medeiros has lost his last two bouts — both knockouts. A striker, Medeiros (15-6-0) has eight knockout wins against four knockout losses. He can also win on the mat, as evidenced by his 4-1 submission record.
