Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC
Urijah Faber and Vicente Luque have faith Joanna Jedrzejczyk can beat Michelle Waterson, but Scott Holtzman and Khama Worthy are not so sure.
Joanna Jedrzejczyk is a significant favourite to beat Michelle Watersn at UFC Tampa, but UFC fighters are not unanimously on board with that idea.
Urijah Faber, Vicente Luque, Josh Emmett and more shared their predictions on Saturday’s main event fight. See some of the quotes below and watch the video above for even more analysis.
Urijah Faber: “So I’m going to say Joanna just because her striking is world-class. ‘Karate Hottie’ has very good striking as well, some great kicks. She’s more karate-style vs. traditional Muay Thai. Sometimes, if the Muay Thai practitioner isn’t creative enough it can give them a lot of trouble. I think Joanna is hungry, Michelle will have trouble taking her down… I think it’s going to be a stand-up fight and Joanna has a high-output that I’m not sure Michelle can match.”
Vicente Luque: “I think Joanna is going to win. Waterson is good but I don’t think she’s at the level of Joanna. I think Joanna has been out of her last fights mentally, but I think if she has her mental side back on point she is going to get the win.”
Josh Emmett: “I thought Jedrzejczyk was going to hold that title for a long time, but Rose [Namajunas] had her number. Michelle Waterson continues to get better and better… It’s going to be a tough one. Joanna has the reach, she is physically bigger. Michelle can shock people. If I had to pick, I’m probably going with Joanna.”
Sam Alvey: “Joanna Jedrzejczyk is one of the best that have ever been in any weight class male or female. She is just wonderful. As much as I like Waterson, I don’t think she has what it takes to beat her.”
Khama Worthy: “I’m a ‘Karate Hottie’ fan and I think she’s going to win. Joanna is good, she just hasn’t been the same animal since she lost to ‘Thug’ Rose. ‘The Karate Hottie’ is actually getting better, she is getting to her maximum level. So I’m going with her for that one.”
Scott Holtzman: “That’s a tough one. Joanna hasn’t looked that good lately, Michelle’s looked pretty good. I’ll go with Michelle Waterson on that. I like her. She’s nice and I’ll be rooting for her. I think she takes that one by decision.”
Timestamps below for the video above.
0:18 – Urijah Faber
1:10 – Vicente Luque
1:36 – Josh Emmett
2:18 – Felicia Spencer
2:36 – Sam Alvey
2:52 – Khama Worthy
3:13 – Scott Holtzman
3:34 – Kyle Stewart
[Author’s Note: Some quotes have been condensed for concision and clarity.]