Song vs Gutierrez main event preview, betting tips & odds

UFC Fight Night from the Apex in Las Vegas features a bantamweight clash between Song Yadong and Chris Gutierrez — two of the division’s most consistent performers. Song has quietly risen through the ranks with an enviable win-loss record, while the underrated Gutierrez has been near flawless since joining the UFC roster in 2019. Although both fighters are still positioned outside the top five, they shape as possible long-term contenders at 135 pounds.

Song Yadong v Chris Gutierrez fight preview

Song Yadong vs Chris Gutierrez

Yadong Song (20-7-1) has amassed a stellar record since joining the UFC in 2017, posting nine wins, two losses and one draw. The most recent loss was to Corey Sandhagen, who is among the best bantamweights on the roster, but Song bounced back hard with a fifth-round TKO over Ricky Simon that earned a Performance of the Night bonus. The 26-year-old is ranked seventh in a stacked division and shows signs of further improvement.

Song is a well-rounded MMA fighter with knockout power and an ability to impress the judges when a finish eludes him. Nine of his career wins have come via KO, resulting from a mixture of knees, punches and kicks. The Chinese athlete tackles a lower-ranked opponent here in a dangerous matchup and will be hunting for another finish to put his name forward as a title contender.

Chris Gutierrez (19-4-2) has built a similarly impressive UFC record with eight wins, one loss and one draw since his promotion debut in 2019. The 32-year-old is predominantly a standup striker who appears far less comfortable when taken to the mat. He has nine career knockout finishes, the majority coming from heavy punches. The 32-year-old is ranked 14th in the division, and this contest opens a huge opportunity to advance his status.

Gutierrez has not faced the same calibre of opponent as Song, but it is surprising to see him at such long odds with the top UFC bookmakers. He is tough with a solid jaw and has never been knocked out. The American’s only stoppage loss was via submission back in 2018, and he will be confident in his punching power if the fight remains upright.

Song Yadong v Chris Gutierrez betting predictions

We are running against the herd in our assessment of this fight. Gutierrez might be ready to land the upset if he can find his striking range and establish his heavy punches. The danger is that he is outclassed by the higher-ranked Song, but we are confident in the underdog’s grit, toughness and power.

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