Alexa Grasso vs. Ji Yeon Kim Prediction and Preview, UFC Fight Night 175
UFC Fight Night 175 features bantamweights Alexa Grasso (-320) and Ji Yeon Kim (+260) in a striking lover’s dream match.
Fighting at 125 pounds for the first time in her 14 fight paid career, former strawweight contender Alexa Grasso appeared prime during a recent majority decision loss vs. Carla Esparza. The two warriors left everything in the cage while earning Fight of the Night honors before raucous Mexico City fans last September. After taking time off to rebuild her 27-year-old frame, Grasso enters new territory standing 3-3 among Octagon fare. Banking wins over top 20 divisional foes, but unable to challenge for gold, the trained boxer’s choice to move up in weight could be her best career decision.
Heavy-handed Ji Yeon Kim has other plans for Grasso. The emerging talent known as ‘Fire Fist’ broke down and folded Nadia Kaseem recently with deflating body punches. That TKO victory stands among two split decision UFC triumphs as Kim’s apex professional MMA moments. However, setbacks to Lucia Pudilova and Antonina Schevchenko exposed the MOB Training Center pupil’s lack of athleticism.
The Prediction: It is Grasso’s faster hands and greater situational awareness which will lead to victory Saturday. Yes, Kim is larger, hits harder and can theoretically overpower Grasso in the clinch. However, the slick Mexican will prove too elusive for cornering when these decidedly standup combatants meet.
Grasso averages 5.25 significant lands per minute and Kim counters with 4.49. While Kim owns a six-inch reach edge, expect her much quicker assignment to pop in and out with decisive combos.
The Pick: Alexa Grasso by Decision
Odds courtesy of BestFightOdds.com