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In a lightweight bout for UFC 256, Tony Ferguson will take on Charles Oliveria in the co-main event Saturday live from Las Vegas and available on ESPN+.
The 36-year-old Ferguson enters the octagon with a professional fighting record of 25-4 and is ranked No. 3 in the lightweight division. This is his second fight in 2020, with the last taking place in May. As the main event at UFC 249, Justin Gaethje defeated Ferguson in Round 5 via a technical knockout.
The last time “El Cucuy” Ferguson won a bout was in June 2019 at UFC 238, where he defeated Donald Cerrone in Round 2 via a doctor stoppage (TKO). Cerrone apparently blew his nose between Rounds 2 and 3, which subsequently caused his swollen right eye to completely shut.
Rodriguez is a tremendous striker as he lands 5.80 significant strikes per 15 minutes, with 45 percent accuracy. The California native also absorbs a significant amount of strikes per minute at 4.04, while defending them at 59 percent.
“El Cucuy” can also wrestle inside the cage, with a 0.49 takedown average per 15 minutes, and accuracy of 42 percent. Ferguson’s submission average per 15 minutes is 1.2, and his takedown defense is at 75 percent
As for Oliveira, he enters the UFC APEX with a professional fighting record of 29-8-1 (1 NC) and is ranked seventh in lightweight. The 31-year-old from Brazil has won seven consecutive bouts and will be trying to win his second match in 2020.
Earlier this year at UFC Fight Night 170, Oliveira defeated Kevin Lee in Round 3 via guillotine choke. “Do Bronx” Oliveira lands 3.27 significant strikes per 15 minutes, with an accuracy of 51 percent. He also absorbs 3.08 strikes per minute and defends them at 54 percent. Unlike his opponent, Oliveira has a 2.61 takedown average, with an accuracy of 45 percent. He also has a 2.8 submission average per 15 minutes and 57 percent takedown defense.
Money line odds
Tony Ferguson: -175
Charles Oliveira: +140
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