Wu Yanan vs. Lucie Pudilová is scheduled for three rounds in the bantamweight division as a featured attraction on tonight's UFC 278 undercard from the Vivinit Arena in Salt Lake City. The hard-slugging Pudilova hopes her second stint in the UFC goes off with a bang, but it’ll have to come at the expense of Wu, who desperately needs a win to avoid her own dismissal.
Oddsmakers see this as a close fight but expect Pudilova to come out on top as a -120 favorite. Yanan is on the verge of making this an even money fight, coming in at +100 in current UFC odds.
Behold our picks and predictions for Yanan vs. Pudilova on Aug. 20.
Yanan vs Pudilova fight odds
Live odds courtesy of the bet365.
Yanan vs Pudilova method of victory odds
| Method of Victory | Wu Yanan | Lucie Pudilova |
|---|---|---|
| To win by KO/TKO | +1,000 | +800 |
| To win by Points | +150 | +130 |
| To win by Submission | +1,200 | +1,000 |
| Draw | +5,000 | +5,000 |
Odds courtesy of DraftKings on August 18, 2022.
Yanan vs Pudilova picks
Click on each prediction to jump to the full analysis.
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Yanan vs Pudilova betting preview
The first time Pudilová came into the UFC, she went on a disappointing 2-5 skid that led to her exit in 2020. She rebounded back home in the Czech Republic well enough to earn another chance on the promotion, and she’s riding a 5-1 streak coming into this fight. Yanan has posted a 1-4 record in the UFC and really hasn’t generated much buzz.
Pudilová works behind a lot of activity and is well conditioned, landing 4.15 significant strikes per minute at 36% accuracy. While she takes her share of punishment, she has yet to be stopped in her MMA career. Her explosive style doesn’t have the power to carry her through to the top tier of the division, but she bangs as loud as loose change in the dryer, and fans love to see it.
Yanan is an excellent finisher, scoring 11 finishes in 13 wins. The problem is she’s clearly been better in the regional circuits and hasn’t quite adjusted to the level of competition in the UFC. She lands 4.42 significant strikes per minute at 40% accuracy but lands 0.70 takedowns per 15-minute fight at 30% accuracy.
These two are evenly matched in practically every aspect. Both are capable strikers and willing to absorb punishment, and both are coming in desperate for a victory knowing too well the consequences of continued setbacks. Put those two factors together and we might have ourselves a sleeper pick for the fight of the night.
Yanan vs Pudilova tale of the tape
| Wu Yanan | Lucie Pudilova | |
|---|---|---|
| 26 | Age | 28 |
| 5-foot-8 | Height | 5-foot-8 |
| 125 lbs | Weight | 125 lbs |
| 66 inches | Reach | 67 inches |
| 13-5-0 (6 KO) | Record | 13-7-0 (2 KO) |
Yanan vs Pudilova UFC prediction and best bet
Our prediction is compiled from the analysis of the fighters and is an indication of who we are leaning with to win this bout.
Our best bet is the play that we like the most for this fight or where the most value lies, and is where we would put some of our bankroll behind.
Prediction: Pudilova ML
Pudilová’s losses in her skid came against legitimate opponents who are still trending upwards. Yanan hasn’t gelled to the UFC’s pace, and that is the key intangible that separates the two. While both may be better suited to their respective regional circuits, Pudilová’s busier offense will wreak havoc on Yanan’s absence of defensive awareness.
Neither woman can really outpace the other. This could come down to who is the busier of the two, and that would favor Pudilová. Yanan has been outlanded 323-288 in her five fights, suggesting that she can’t strike with her opponents and needs to initiate hostilities to be effective.
Because Pudilová doesn’t have stopping power or a strong ground game, we can see why this line is close to even. That being said, Pudilová will come out on top on the merits of her superior work rate.
Prediction: Lucie Pudilova moneyline (-120 at DraftKings)
Best bet: Pudilova by decision
I’m pretty sure I gave it away just a moment ago, but the busier fighter will end up winning this on the cards. That would be Pudilová, who will start first, reset, then start again to shut Yanan down while piling up the points. One thing about Yanan is that she is tough, and Pudilová will light her up plenty, though she won’t be hitting her hard enough to threaten a stoppage.
Taking a points win at +130 feels just as safe as taking her straight up. We’re riding with Pudilová to come out on top here with a decision victory.
Pick: Lucie Pudilova to Win by Decision (+130 at DraftKings)
