Marcus McGhee vs. Gaston Bolaños 1/13/24 – As we gear up for UFC FIGHT NIGHT 234, all eyes are focused on the bantamweight match-up between Marcus “THE MANIAC” McGhee and Gaston “THE DREAMKILLER” Bolanos – set for Saturday at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada, broadcasted live by ESPN+ – that promises an electrifying display of mixed martial arts skills and strategy. As someone looking for MMA free picks, this fight offers a fascinating study in different styles and tactics that could influence its final result!
Marcus McGhee vs. Gaston Bolaños 1/13/24 Game Info
| When: | Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 4:00 PM ET |
| Where: | UFC APEX, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
Marcus “The Maniac” McGhee Analysis
Marcus McGhee enters the octagon boasting an outstanding 8-1-0 record, showing off his dominance of the bantamweight division. With an average fight time of 4:41 – shorter than most of his contemporaries – and an aggressive approach, McGhee quickly resolves fights. Standing 5′ 8″, and weighing 135 lbs, McGhee possesses an orthodox stance with a 69″ reach that make him an effective striking opponent; landing 3.42 significant strikes per minute at 48% accuracy is notable, while McGhee’s defensive prowess is evident by having 77% defense rate; making him difficult to hit and providing him with an edge when exchanges take place.
At first glance, McGhee’s grappling stats may appear dismal with no takedowns average per 15 minutes and no takedown accuracy of zero per 15 minutes. Yet his 100% takedown defense speaks volumes for his ability to keep fights on his terms; favoring stand-up exchanges where he excels most of all. Meanwhile his submission average of 1.6 per 15 minutes speaks of versatility and threat on the ground; one potential area of concern may be his limited experience in longer fights due to shorter average fight duration times indicating difficulty maintaining endurance throughout prolonged battles.
Gaston “The Dreamkiller” Bolaños Analysis
Gaston Bolanos enters this fight with an impressive 7-3-0 record and an average fight time of 15:00, suggesting an approach that prioritizes endurance and pacing over McGhee’s quicker bouts. Both individuals share similar physical profiles at 5′ 7″, but in terms of striking, Bolanos outperformed McGhee slightly with 4.20 significant strikes per minute at a 49% accuracy, suggesting Bolanos’ preference for keeping fights standing to engage in striking battles where he can utilize both reach and agility to his advantage.
However, Bolanos’ defensive game shows signs of weakness; his 56% strike defense rate raises red flags against an accurate striker like McGhee. Bolanos matches McGhee in terms of grappling statistics with no takedowns and an accuracy rating of zero percent; suggesting their mutual preference for stand-up combat. His takedown defense rating at 40% differs greatly from McGhee’s, which could prove decisive should McGhee try to take advantage of this angle. Bolanos’ lack of submission attempts per 15 minutes may also indicate his decreased focus on ground game, potentially limiting his options if the fight goes to the mat. Bolanos needs to improve both his defensive abilities and find ways to counter McGhee’s striking for success in this matchup.
Marcus McGhee vs. Gaston Bolaños Stats
| McGhee | Bolaños | |
| Wins/Losses/Draws | 8-1-0 | 7-3-0 |
| Average Fight Time | 4:41 | 15:00 |
| Height | 5′ 8″ | 5′ 7″ |
| Weight | 135 lbs. | 135 lbs. |
| Reach | 69″ | 69″ |
| Stance | Orthodox | Orthodox |
| Strikes Landed per Min. | 3.42 | 4.20 |
| Striking Accuracy | 48% | 49% |
| Strikes Absorbed per Min. | 1.81 | 1.13 |
| Defense | 77% | 56% |
| Takedowns Average/15 min. | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Takedown Accuracy | 0% | 0% |
| Takedown Defense | 100% | 40% |
| Submission Average/15 min. | 1.6 | 0.0 |
Marcus McGhee vs. Gaston Bolaños Betting Picks
Based on statistics and current form, Marcus McGhee stands out as the likely favorite in this matchup. His superior defense coupled with a more consistent and effective striking game will likely help him outshout Bolanos; the betting odds reflect this fact as McGhee holds an advantage at -240 while Bolanos’ lower strike defense and weaker grappling defense could prove decisive, particularly against someone like McGhee who can exploit weaknesses more readily than his opponent.
Free Pick: Marcus “The Maniac” McGhee -240
In conclusion, this UFC FIGHT NIGHT 234 bantamweight bout between Marcus McGhee and Gaston Bolaños is set to be a captivating contest. While both fighters bring unique strengths to the octagon, McGhee’s more rounded skill set, particularly his striking accuracy and defensive capabilities, give him the edge. For fans and bettors looking for premium matchup choices, Marcus McGhee stands out as the fighter to back in this compelling encounter. This fight is not just a test of physical prowess, but a strategic battle where the right tactics could make all the difference.