Adam Williams presents his prediction for the UFC on ESPN 63 fight.
Michael Johnson
Johnson’s strategy will focus on throwing long strikes and then instantly pulling back to get out of the attack line. He aims to close the distance to draw Azaitar into overcommitting and counter his strikes. If his sharp jab connects, Johnson is likely to follow it with a crisp hook or an inside low kick. When Azaitar launches into his assault with a powerful hook, Michael will attempt a double-leg takedown. The veteran will try to keep Azaitar grounded as much as possible, forcing him to expend energy on futile attempts to stand back up, which in turn will sap his knockout power. By the third round, Johnson will shift his focus to stand-up exchanges and look to knock out Azaitar himself.
Ottman Azaitar
Azaitar will rely heavily on feints to analyse Johnson’s reactions. He will start with single punches, allowing Johnson to work a bit in the early exchanges. He will then unleash a heavy low kick followed by a destructive overhand punch. Ottman plans to enter the clinch but will immediately break it when pinning Johnson against the cage, returning to his boxing combinations. He'll mix uppercuts and hooks to puzzle the American fighter. Azaitar will counter Johnson's takedown attempts with uppercuts and will initiate sudden attacks, aiming to lure Johnson into unfavourable exchanges.
Betting Odds
Bookmakers are backing the veteran because of his ability to outmanoeuvre younger fighters who underestimate him and fall into his traps. The odds for Johnson securing victory are 1/2.
Azaitar is on the lookout for a knockout and is known for not complicating his game plan, which leaves him vulnerable to strategists like Johnson. Odds for Azaitar’s win stand at 17/10.
Michael Johnson vs Ottman Azaitar Prediction
Azaitar will dedicate the first round to scouting his opponent, while Johnson will inch ahead on points with short and precise boxing combinations. In the second round, Azaitar will unleash his destructive hooks, prompting Johnson to leverage his wrestling skills for survival. If not in the second, then during the third five-minute round, Azaitar may find a way to knock out Johnson. While Johnson may endure, Azaitar will likely take two of the rounds through dominant striking power.
