UFC Fight Night Waterson vs Hill: Michelle Waterson vs Angela Hill- Prediction and Analysis

The bout was initially a three-round fight that the UFC elevated to the main event after Glover Teixeira withdrew from the event. However, despite the short notice main event status of the fight, Michelle Waterson and Angela Hill will battle across five rounds at UFC Fight Night: Waterson vs Hill.

Waterson has lost her last two fights. However, both fighters who beat her have held the UFC strawweight championship in their careers. Her last bout at UFC 249 saw the judges reach a split decision which would only spur her to put on a better showing.

‘The Karate Hottie’ will have to contend with the dangerous Angela Hill, who is entering her fourth fight in 2020. She too is coming off a split decision loss, and like her opponent, her upcoming fight will be her first at the UFC Apex. 

Read: “Where the F**k Are the Judges?”- Angela Hill Livid After Controversial Decision Loss

UFC Fight Night: Waterson vs Hill- Analysis

Both fighters have an orthodox stance and stand at 5’3”. Angela Hill has a two-inch reach advantage which could tilt the scales in her favor. ‘Overkill’ is the attacking fighter with five wins via T/KO, but just two of these have come during her time in the UFC. 

‘Overkill’ landed 5.76 significant strikes per minute at a 49% accuracy. She absorbed an almost equal number (5.17) of strikes. Fortunately for her, Waterson does not land too many significant strikes per fight. In her UFC career, she landed just 3.31 per minute at a 52% accuracy.

This shows us she doesn’t just throw her punches and kicks at will. However, despite a rather low significant strike stats, ‘The Karate Hottie’ absorbed 3.79 strikes every 60 seconds and defends just 48% of all strike attempts. 

One statistic in Waterson’s favor is her ability to land takedowns. She averaged 1.68 takedowns every three rounds at a 50% accuracy. Hence, she will be in a prime position to lock in fight-ending holds and has claimed nine career wins by submitting her opponents. 

Hill has landed just six takedowns in 15 UFC fights. She backs her striking abilities and if Waterson is to have any chance, she would have to hope Hill misses thus allowing her to move in for the takedown. 

However, the 35-year-old has a 72% takedown defense and has lost just two times via submission. She will not go to the ground easily. Also, she will not have an easy time finishing Waterson who has just one career TKO defeat. 

Read: UFC Fight Night: Waterson vs Hill: Khama Worthy vs Ottman Azaitar-Prediction and Analysis

This will be a decision that could go Waterson’s way if she secures sufficient ground control time. However, on their feet, the bout has an Angela ‘Overkill’ Hill win written all over it. 

Prediction: Angela Hill to win by unanimous decision