UFC Fight Night: Brunson vs Holland: Gregor Gillespie vs Brad Riddell- Prediction and Analysis

The co-main event at UFC Vegas 22 will see an exciting lightweight clash between Gregor Gillespie and Brad Riddell. The lightweight division is in limbo right now with an inactive champion. Hence, a win for either fighter will be a good opportunity to make a statement.

‘The Gift’ is currently ranked 15th in the lightweight division, whereas Riddell is unranked. Therefore, there is a lot on the line for both men. Gillespie will look to bounce back from a devastating loss against Kevin Lee; Riddell will aim to build on a six-fight win streak. 

Ahead of the fight, we inspect the strengths and advantages for each fighter and map out a potential route to victory for both men. 

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Gregor Gillespie vs Brad Riddell will be an exciting clash at 155-pounds 

Gregor Gillespie made his UFC debut in September 2016 with a win over Glaico Franca. He then won his next five fights in an impressive fashion. However, in November 2019, ‘The Gift’ succumbed to his first professional MMA loss against Kevin Lee. 

Brad Riddell made his UFC debut in October 2019 against Jamie Mullarkey and is 3-0 in the UFC. In his last outing, he secured a unanimous decision win against Alex da Silva Coelho. 

‘Quake’ has secured a stunning 56% of his wins via T/KO. He has landed a mind-boggling 6.07 significant strikes, and has absorbed just 2.04 in return. Riddell is a far superior striker and will hope to keep the fight standing for his best shot at a win.

This may be an issue against ‘The Gift’ who is an extremely decorated wrestler and uses his wrestling extensively during his fights. His 2.14 significant strikes absorbed speaks volumes of his ability to nullify a fighter’s base.

Gillespie has averaged a mind boggling 7.02 takedowns per 15 minutes in his UFC career and has attempted 0.92 submissions in the same time period. ‘The Gift’ will hope to take Riddell down and wear him out. However, it will be easier said than done as Riddell has an 80% takedown defense rate. Furthermore, Gillespie has been out for almost 17 months and may have a tough time in his first fight in the small UFC Apex octagon. 

If Riddell can keep the action on a vertical base, he has a good chance to secure a win. However, if Gillespie can impose his wrestling on the fight, ‘Quake’ will be in trouble. 

Prediction: Gregor Gillespie via decision 

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