by King Hazard
UFC 239 just got a little more interesting. A bantamweight contest between Melissa Gatto and Julia Avila has been added to the highly-anticipated fight card, according to Sherdog.
Initially, Gatto was expected to make her UFC debut earlier this year at UFC 237, but she was forced off the card due to an infection. Gatto will now square off against the “Raging Panda”, who is 6-1, in a 135-pound clash that is not to be missed.
If you’re living under a rock lately, UFC 239 will headline a light-heavyweight title bout between reigning champion Jon Jones and Brazilian prospect Thiego Santos. In addition, another exciting title bout between UFC bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes and Holly Holm will serve as co-main event.
According to SBD, Jon Jones (-600) and Amanda Nunes (-325) are both heavily favored to retain their title belts at UFC 239. While light-heavyweight challenger Thiago Santos has looked great since moving up in weight, he’s also 37 and will have an 8.5-inch disadvantage in reach against Jones. Jones’ more difficult fights have come against longer fighters, such as Alexander Gustafsson.
Holly Holm is seen as a more viable title threat against Nunes. She’s also 37 and six years older than her opponent, but she won’t have a reach deficit to overcome and, as a former pro boxer, has KO potential against any woman she faces.
UFC 239 will take shape on July 6th in Las Vegas, Nevada. Stay tuned to Yell! Magazine for much more daily news in MMA.
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