UFC Fight Night: Smith vs Spann: Pannie Kianzad vs Raquel Pennington- Prelims Prediction and Analysis

UFC Fight Night: Smith vs Spann will see a clash at the women’s bantamweight division go down between Pannie Kianzad and Raquel Pennington. Both fighters have won their last fights and will be determined to propel in the rankings of the 135 lb division with yet another triumph this weekend.

The former Cage Warriors and Invicta FC fighter, Kianzad will enter the contest on the back of a 4 fight winning streak. Since her loss to Julia Avila, ‘Banzai’ has defeated the likes of Bethe Correia, Alexis Davis, and more. She will look to make the most out of her fight this weekend and stretch her already impressive streak to 5.

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – JULY 26: (R-L) Pannie Kianzad of Iran punches Bethe Correia of Brazil in their bantamweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event inside Flash Forum on UFC Fight Island on July 26, 2020 in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Pennington, on the other hand, has been fighting in the UFC since 2013. She has notable wins over the likes of Miesha Tate, Irene Aldana, Jessica Andrade, and more inside the UFC Octagon. ‘Rocky’ defeated Marion Reneau in her last fight in the UFC. She will look to re-establish herself as a top contender in the division with a win against a flying Kianzad.

Kianzad has a professional record of 15-5 with 3 T/KO finishes in her record. The 33-year-old Pennington has a record of 11-8 with a total of 4 finishes 1 T/KO and 3 submission wins comprise those numbers for her.

Pannie Kianzad vs Raquel Pennington: Analysis

Kianzad has been in exceptional form recently. Also, she has fought against some very good fighters to secure her status as a formidable contender at the 135 lbs division of the UFC. Also, ‘Banzai’ has the skill sets to trouble her opponent as well.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JANUARY 18: Raquel Pennington enters the octagon in her bantamweight fight during the UFC 246 event at T-Mobile Arena on January 18, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Also, her opponent, Pennington hasn’t been very active recently. And, one might argue that Pennington is coming to the tail end of her career. A young contender like Kianzad should be able to use those factors to her favor and eventually manage to get a unanimous decision in her record.

Final Prediction: Pannie ‘Banzai‘ Kianzad by unanimous decision.

Also Read: UFC Fight Night: Smith vs Spann- Anthony Smith vs Ryan Spann: Prediction and Analysis

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