UFC ON ESPN 52: Tate vs. Avila 12/2/23 – The UFC hosts an exciting night of fights at UFC on ESPN 52 on December 2nd, 2023. In the co-main event, two talented women’s bantamweights square off as Miesha “Cupcake” Tate takes on Julia “Raging Panda” Avila. Both women look to build momentum with a win here. With MMA free reviews today, we’ll break down the matchup and make our betting prediction.
UFC ON ESPN 52: Tate vs. Avila 12/2/23 Game Info
| When: | Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 4:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Moody Center, Austin, Texas, USA |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
Miesha “Cupcake” Tate Analysis
Miesha Tate enters this contest with a wealth of experience under the bright lights, boasting a 19-9 professional record and 12 years competing in the upper echelon of women’s MMA. As a well-rounded veteran, Tate poses threats both on the feet and on the mat. She lands 2.61 significant strikes per minute with decent accuracy at 44%, while also attempting 1.88 takedowns per round with a strong submission rate of 1.3 finishes per 15 minutes.
However, while Tate’s offensive submission game remains dangerous, her striking defense shows signs of decline as her career advances into its twilight. She absorbs over 3 significant strikes per minute and stops only 51% of her opponents’ strike attempts. This area of weakness likely stems from attempting risky takedowns and leaving openings in her guard. Her takedown accuracy also sits at just 29% for her career, as better athletes have stuffed her shots more recently.
In her last Octagon appearance against Murphy, these vulnerabilities were on full display. Tate managed only 2 total takedowns across 3 rounds while Murphy controlled the striking exchanges and bloodied Tate up. She faded down the stretch and dropped a lopsided unanimous decision.
Tate faces a dangerous striker in Avila who can make her pay dearly if she fails on takedown attempts. Tate must mix up her entries intelligently to bring the fight into her world on the mat. She can threaten with armbars if on top, but her guard also remains active off her back with triangle attempts. Ultimately, Tate’s submission skills and big-fight mettle ensure she is never out of a bout, but she will need to be intelligent setting up her grappling against the younger Avila.
Julia “Raging Panda” Avila Analysis
Julia Avila struts into this matchup with significant striking skills and momentum garnered from back-to-back UFC victories. Training under renowned coach Marc Montoya in Missouri, Avila has put together an impressive 9-2 pro record built on her dynamic boxing style. She lands over 3 significant strikes per minute with strong accuracy at 44%, while showcasing excellent head movement to avoid return fire.
Avila’s footwork enables her to glide in and out of range smoothly as she picks opponents apart methodically. She also packs legitimate one-punch knockout power that demands respect from the opposition. Once she hurts an opponent, Avila swarms to get the finish, scoring 7 victories by form of KO/TKO. Avila may not possess the veteran experience of Tate but she makes up for it with dangerous hands and ascending confidence as she reaches her athletic prime.
Avila’s glaring weakness lies with her underdeveloped grappling skills. She attempts less than 1 takedown per round and completes them with just a 33% success rate when she tries. Once grounded, Avila also shows vulnerabilities, attempting only 0.3 submissions per 15 minutes. Against Tate’s crafty transitions and submission arsenal, spending extended time underneath Tate spells trouble for Avila.
Therefore, Avila would be wise to continue implementing sharp, technical boxing from a distance rather than rushing recklessly into the clinch. If she can continue circling away from the cage and make Tate pay as she shoots for sloppy takedowns, then Avila holds a distinct advantage in this matchup. Her ability to maintain range and defend takedowns will be crucial to neutralizing Tate’s offensive grappling. After recent striking displays, the tools appear there for Avila to get her hand raised.
Miesha Tate vs. Julia Avila Stats
| Tate | Avila | |
| Wins/Losses/Draws | 19-9-0 | 9-2-0 |
| Average Fight Time | 12:47 | 11:10 |
| Height | 5′ 6″ | 5′ 7 |
| Weight | 135 lbs. | 135 lbs. |
| Reach | 65″ | 68″ |
| Stance | Orthodox | Orthodox |
| Strikes Landed per Min. | 2.61 | 3.18 |
| Striking Accuracy | 44% | 44% |
| Strikes Absorbed per Min. | 3.10 | 2.86 |
| Defense | 51% | 55% |
| Takedowns Average/15 min. | 1.88 | 0.67 |
| Takedown Accuracy | 29% | 33% |
| Takedown Defense | 55% | 61% |
| Submission Average/15 min. | 1.3 | 0.3 |
Miesha Tate vs. Julia Avila Betting Pick
This matchup presents an interesting clash of styles, with Tate’s veteran savvy and submission skills facing off against Avila’s rising striking talent. While Tate’s experience can never be discounted, the wear on her career may leave openings for Avila to land damaging strikes over three rounds. If Avila can stuff Tate’s shots and avoid getting trapped on the mat, she has a strong chance to outwork Tate on the feet.
Free Pick: Julia “Raging Panda” Avila -150
Our multi-handicapping analysis leans towards Julia Avila as the probable victor against Miesha Tate in their upcoming UFC on ESPN 52 encounter. Avila’s striking proficiency, combined with her effective defense and evolving grappling skills, positions her well to take on the challenge posed by the veteran Tate. This fight promises to be a tactical and engaging contest, offering an exciting spectacle for MMA fans and a strategic opportunity for bettors.