Fight Tracks: The walkout songs of UFC Rio Rancho with Bon Jovi vs. Loverboy showdown

Check out all the fighter walkout songs from Saturday’s UFC on ESPN+ 25 event in Rio Rancho, N.M.

While it takes intense training, world-class skills and maybe even a bit of luck to register a UFC win, picking the right song to accompany you to the cage is a key talent, as well.

Inside, see what the fighters from UFC on ESPN+ 25 went with as their backing tracks in Rio Rancho, N.M.

UFC on ESPN+ 25: Lando Vannata full post-fight interview

UFC on ESPN+ 25: Lando Vannata full post-fight interview

UFC on ESPN+ 25: Lando Vannata full post-fight interview

UFC on ESPN+ 25 results: Lando Vannata wins tactical affair over Yancy Medeiros

A fight that was expected to be filled with fireworks wasn’t, but that suited “Groovy” just fine.

On paper, UFC on ESPN+ 25’s main-card opener between [autotag]Yancy Medeiros[/autotag] and [autotag]Lando Vannata[/autotag] seemed to be one of Saturday night’s best fights. The lightweight duo have the ability to put together “Fight of the Night” caliber brawls on any given evening.

Instead, a tactical affair broke out at Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho, N.M., largely because that was the pace Vannata (11-4-2 MMA, 3-4-2 UFC) dictated. The New Mexico resident used a smart counter-striking style to fluster his foe and earn a unanimous decision on a count of 30-27 across the board.

“I got a great team around me,” Vannata said. “I believe I’ve got world class talent, world class skill. I believe I’m still growing in this sport.”

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There wasn’t much mystery to Vannata’s game plan as he moved at a fast pace, darted in and out, kept his hands down, and waited for Medeiros (15-7 MMA, 6-7 UFC) to strike.

Medeiros, for his part, liked to stay outside and land straight shots to set up the rest of his offense, but he never seemed to be able to adjust to his nimble foe, as Vannata always seemed to land counter combos and then scoot out to safety.

The Hawaiian Medeiros seemed a step off the entire fight, perhaps due to the high altitude, but Vannata never slowed. And while Medeiros tried to pick up the pace in the third and landed occasional nice shots, he was never able to unleash a sustained offensive streak.

Vannata is now 2-1-1 in his past four, with all except for his one loss in that run going the distance. Medeiros, who hasn’t won a fight since 2017, has lost three in a row after dropping a decision for just the second time in his career.

Up-to-the-minute UFC on ESPN+ 25 results include:

  • Lando Vannata def. Yancy Medeiros via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
  • Daniel Rodriguez def. Tim Means via submission (guillotine choke) – Round 2, 3:37
  • John Dodson def. Nathaniel Wood via TKO (punches) – Round 3, 0:16
  • Scott Holtzman def. Jim Miller via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Devin Clark def. Dequan Townsend via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-26)
  • Merab Dvalishvili def. Casey Kenney via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-25, 29-28)
  • Macy Chiasson def. Shanna Young via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)
  • Raulian Paiva def. Mark De La Rosa via knockout (punches) – Round 2, 4:42

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UFC on ESPN+ 25: Corey Anderson vs. Jan Blachowicz odds, picks and best bets

Analyzing Corey Anderson vs. Jan Blachowicz odds, picks and betting lines for UFC on ESPN+ 25

Corey Anderson and Jan Blachowicz square off in a light heavyweight bout on the main card at UFC on ESPN+ 25 – also called UFC Fight Night 167 – at the Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho, N.M. Saturday evening.

Anderson (14-4-0) will be facing Blachowicz for the second time in his career, and he is hopeful the result is the same as it was back at UFC 191 on Sept. 5, 2015 when Anderson came away with a unanimous decision victory in three rounds. He heads into this one with a head of steam, winning four in a row, including a brisk 2:07 KO/TKO against one of my favorite named UFC fighters, Johnny Walker, who was blue after his loss. Since his last loss to Ovince Saint Preux at UFC 217, the 30-year-old Anderson has rolled up wins over Patrick Cummins, Glover Teixeira, Ilir Latifi and Walker, putting him in position to get a championship shot if he isn’t derailed in this one.

Blachowicz (25-8-0) has waited nearly five years for another crack at Anderson, and he’ll get it in sandy New Mexico. The Berkut WCA Fight Team fighter is 36 years old, and it’s now or never if he wants a shot at the strap in his class. His UFC career got off to a hot start with a win over Latifi back on Oct. 4, 2014, but he proceeded to lose four of his next five bouts, including to Anderson. After a setback to Cummins at UFC 210, it’s been mostly smooth sailing, winning six of the past seven, including a split-decision win over Jacare Souza last time out in a five-round main event victory on Nov. 16. That bout proved he still has the goods to compete with anyone in this class.


Want to bet on Fight Night 167? New customer offer: Risk free first bet! Visit BetMGM for terms and conditions. Bet now!


Corey Anderson vs. Jan Blachowicz betting odds

Per BetMGM, Anderson (-228) is a rather moderate favorite over Blachowicz (+165) in this rematch. Anderson holds a slight height and reach advantage over Blachowicz, both by one inch, but his real advantage is in striking and takedown ability. Anderson has 4.45 significant strikes landed per minute to just 3.44 SIG STR LPM for Blachowicz, while the latter does hold a slight advantage in Significant Strike Accuracy percentage at 49.05-46.37. However, Anderson is also much better at getting people to the ground, posting a 4.98 takedown average to just 1.18 for the Pole.

Roll with Anderson (-228) to win on the 2-way line, and perhaps pair it with another fight or two in a parlay for less risk. Some suggestions for a parlay might be Ray Borg (-154) over Rogerio Bontorin (+115), and if you’re a little more risky, pair Anderson with slight underdog Lando Vannata (-106) against Yancy Medeiros (-125), or put Anderson, Borg and Vannata in a nice three-fighter parlay for an even better payday. I plan on playing this ticket during my stay at the MGM Grand in Vegas this weekend.

New to sports betting? A $10 3-fighter parlay on Anderson (-228), Borg (-154) and Vannata (-106) would have a potential payout (inc stake) of $46.33 at +363.

To watch the full card, sign up for ESPN+ now.

If you want some action on this MMA bout, place your wagers at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and analysis, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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UFC on ESPN+ 25 predictions: Who stays in title contention – Corey Anderson or Jan Blachowicz?

Check out our staff members’ picks for the UFC on ESPN+ 25 main card in Rio Rancho, N.M.

Anderson
vs.
Blachowicz
Pereira
vs.
Sanchez
Borella
vs.
De La Rosa
Vargas
vs.
Weaver
Bontorin
vs.
Borg
Medeiros
vs.
Vannata
MMA Junkie readers’
consensus picks
2020: 13-7
anderson2020
Anderson
(57%)
pereira2020
Pereira
(58%)
delarosa2020
De La Rosa
(83%)
weaver2020
Weaver
(71%)
borg2020-1
Borg
(61%)
medeiros2020
Medeiros
(62%)
Brian Garcia
@thegoze
2020: 17-3
trophy copy 2017 Champion
anderson2020
Anderson
pereira2020
Pereira
delarosa2020
De La Rosa
weaver2020
Weaver
borg2020-1
Borg
medeiros2020
Medeiros
Simon Head
@simonhead
2020: 16-4
trophy copy 2019 Champion*
anderson2020
Anderson
pereira2020
Pereira
delarosa2020
De La Rosa
weaver2020
Weaver
bontorin2020-1
Bontorin
medeiros2020
Medeiros
John Morgan
@MMAjunkieJohn
2020: 16-4
anderson2020
Anderson
sanchez2020
Sanchez
delarosa2020
De La Rosa
weaver2020
Weaver
bontorin2020-1
Bontorin
medeiros2020
Medeiros
Farah Hannoun
@Farah_Hannoun
2020: 16-4
anderson2020
Anderson
pereira2020
Pereira
delarosa2020
De La Rosa
weaver2020
Weaver
borg2020-1
Borg
medeiros2020
Medeiros
Mike Bohn
@MikeBohnMMA
2020: 16-4
trophy copy 2014 Champion
anderson2020
Anderson
pereira2020
Pereira
delarosa2020
De La Rosa
weaver2020
Weaver
borg2020-1
Borg
medeiros2020
Medeiros
Danny Segura
@dannyseguratv
2020: 16-4
anderson2020
Anderson
sanchez2020
Sanchez
delarosa2020
De La Rosa
weaver2020
Weaver
borg2020-1
Borg
medeiros2020
Medeiros
Ken Hathaway
@kenshathaway
2020: 15-5
trophy copy 2018 Champion
anderson2020
Anderson
pereira2020
Pereira
delarosa2020
De La Rosa
weaver2020
Weaver
bontorin2020-1
Bontorin
medeiros2020
Medeiros
Nolan King
@mma_kings
2020: 15-5
anderson2020
Anderson
pereira2020
Pereira
delarosa2020
De La Rosa
weaver2020
Weaver
borg2020-1
Borg
vannata2020
Vannata
Dan Tom
@DanTomMMA
2020: 15-5
anderson2020
Anderson
sanchez2020
Sanchez
delarosa2020
De La Rosa
weaver2020
Weaver
bontorin2020-1
Bontorin
medeiros2020
Medeiros
Simon Samano
@SJSamano
2020: 15-5
anderson2020
Anderson
sanchez2020
Sanchez
delarosa2020
De La Rosa
weaver2020
Weaver
borg2020-1
Borg
medeiros2020
Medeiros
George Garcia
@MMAjunkieGeorge
2020: 14-6
anderson2020
Anderson
sanchez2020
Sanchez
delarosa2020
De La Rosa
weaver2020
Weaver
borg2020-1
Borg
medeiros2020
Medeiros
Dave Doyle
@davedoylemma
2020: 14-6
blachowicz2020
Blachowicz
pereira2020
Pereira
delarosa2020
De La Rosa
weaver2020
Weaver
borg2020-1
Borg
vannata2020
Vannata
Abbey Subhan
@kammakaze
2020: 12-8
blachowicz2020
Blachowicz
pereira2020
Pereira
delarosa2020
De La Rosa
weaver2020
Weaver
borg2020-1
Borg
medeiros2020
Medeiros
Matt Erickson
@MMAjunkieMatt
2020: 11-9
anderson2020
Anderson
pereira2020
Pereira
delarosa2020
De La Rosa
vargas2020
Vargas
bontorin2020-1
Bontorin
medeiros2020
Medeiros

The UFC is in New Mexico this week for the first time in more than five years with a pair of light heavyweight contenders topping the bill.

UFC on ESPN+ 25 takes place Saturday at Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho, N.M., near Albuquerque. The event streams on ESPN+.

(Click here to open a PDF of the staff picks grid in a separate window.)

In the main event, [autotag]Corey Anderson[/autotag] (13-4 MMA, 10-4 UFC) takes on [autotag]Jan Blachowicz[/autotag] (25-8 MMA, 8-5 UFC) in a fight that will see the winner stay in the light heavyweight title picture for a possible meeting with champion Jon Jones. Anderson is more than a 2-1 favorite from the oddsmakers, and he has a big 12-2 lead in the picks from our 14 MMA Junkie editors, writers, radio hosts and videographers.

In the co-main event, [autotag]Michel Pereira[/autotag] (23-10 MMA, 1-1 UFC) takes on longtime Albuquerque resident [autotag]Diego Sanchez[/autotag] (29-12 MMA, 18-12 UFC) at welterweight. Pereira is the slight favorite, and he’s got a 9-5 edge in the picks.

There’s a unanimous pick on the card, and another that nearly is unanimous. [autotag]Montana De La Rosa[/autotag] (10-5 MMA, 3-1 UFC) is a -175 favorite over [autotag]Mara Romero Borella[/autotag] (12-6 MMA, 2-2 UFC) in their women’s flyweight fight. But despite fairly close betting odds, De La Rosa, whose husband Mark De La Rosa fights on the prelims, is a 14-0 pick from our staff.

Also on the main card, [autotag]Brok Weaver[/autotag] (14-4 MMA, 0-0 UFC) nearly is a unanimous pick in his lightweight fight against [autotag]Kazula Vargas[/autotag] (11-3 MMA, 0-1 UFC). Only one of our pickers is taking Vargas in an upset – Weaver nearly is a 3-1 favorite.

[autotag]Ray Borg[/autotag] (12-4 MMA, 6-4 UFC) takes on [autotag]Rogerio Bontorin[/autotag] (16-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC) in a flyweight fight that was moved up to the main card from the prelims mid-week. The fight is one of our two most contentious ones with Borg at a 9-5 lead.

And to open the main card, [autotag]Yancy Medeiros[/autotag] (15-6 MMA, 6-6 UFC) takes on [autotag]Lando Vannata[/autotag] (10-4-2 MMA, 2-4-2 UFC) in a lightweight fight that is a near pick’em at the sportsbooks. But it’s Medeiros who has a whopping 12-2 lead in the picks with only two staff members taking Vannata.

In the MMA Junkie reader consensus picks, Anderson (57 percent), Pereira (58 percent), De La Rosa (83 percent), Weaver (71 percent), Borg (61 percent) and Medeiros (62 percent) are the choices.

Check out all the picks above.

Lando Vannata aims to improve ‘weirdest record’ at UFC on ESPN+ 25

Lando Vannata embraces the uniqueness of his UFC run, but he hopes UFC Rio Rancho is the turning point toward normalcy.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – [autotag]Lando Vannata[/autotag] embraces the uniqueness of his UFC run, but he hopes UFC on ESPN+ 25 is the turning point toward normalcy.

The UFC record of Vannata (10-4-2 MMA, 2-4-2 UFC) speaks for itself. He’s one of the few fighters in company history to fight to a draw twice, and the judging in some of his losses was questionable, at best.

Keeping his head straight through the rollercoaster of results has been Vannata’s biggest challenge, he said. However, he claims to be in a very good place going into the next fight and sees his lightweight clash with Yancy Medeiros (15-6 MMA, 6-6 UFC) being the moment where the narrative changes.

“It’s a marathon, not a sprint in this sport,” Vannata told MMA Junkie at UFC on ESPN+ 25 media day on Thursday. “I’ve definitely got the weirdest record in the UFC right now. I don’t think anyone else has two draws. Very unique. I think everyone knows what I’m capable of when I do show up, when I do perform, when I am physically, mentally on point. Right now I am very much that, and I am very much looking forward to putting on an epic fight.”

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UFC on ESPN+ 25 takes place Saturday at Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho, N.M. The entire event is set to stream on ESPN+.

For Vannata, this couldn’t be a more perfect event. He lives and trains in New Mexico, and after going to Denmark and Australia for his past two fights is relishing the opportunity to not travel and sleep in his own bed during fight week.

That type of relaxation is exactly what he needs going into a matchup with Medeiros, who, like Vannata, has a high-action style and is capable of winning a fight-night bonus each time he steps into the octagon.

In terms of the matchup, though, Vannata said it plays in his favor.

“Yancy man, he’s a tough, gritty vet,” Vannata said. “He’s a stud. He’s been in there with the who’s who, as well, and he gets down for a throw down. But he’s been through some worse wars than I have. He’s been finished a handful of times, and I’ve only been submitted once, and I’m looking to take full advantage of that and get a finish here.”

With only one official win in his past six fights, it’s hard for Vannata to talk about where he fits in the 155-pound division. He knows what his potential is, though, and although it might not always show on paper, Vannata said it can – and will – at any moment in the octagon.

“I’m always looking to climb that ladder,” Vannata said. “I feel like I can do amazing things in this sport, I feel like I have a talent that’s top-tier and I’m hungry to finally get that ball rolling.”

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UFC on ESPN+ 25: Lando Vannata media day interview

UFC on ESPN+ 25: Lando Vannata media day interview

UFC on ESPN+ 25: Lando Vannata media day interview

UFC on ESPN+ 25 pre-event facts: Husband and wife share a card for the first time

The best stats and figures about UFC on ESPN+ 25, which features a Corey Anderson vs. Jan Blachowicz rematch in the main event.

The UFC visits New Mexico for the second time in company history on Saturday with UFC on ESPN+ 25, which takes place at Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho and streams entirely on ESPN+.

A rematch between light heavyweight contenders takes center stage in the main event. [autotag]Corey Anderson[/autotag] (13-3 MMA, 10-3 UFC) will attempt to continue his winning streak with a second victory over [autotag]Jan Blachowicz[/autotag] (25-8 MMA, 8-5 UFC), who will attempt to avenge his unanimous-decision loss from UFC 191 in September 2015.

For more on the numbers behind the headliner, as well as the rest of the 13-fight card, check below for 55 pre-event facts about UFC on ESPN+ 25.

* * * *

Main event

Corey Anderson

Anderson’s four-fight UFC winning streak at light heavyweight is tied with Jon Jones for the longest active streak in the division.

Anderson is one of 12 fighters in UFC history with 10 or more light heavyweight wins.

Anderson’s 10 victories since 2014 in UFC light heavyweight competition are tied with Ovince Saint Preux for most in the division.

Anderson’s 61-second knockout of Matt Van Buren at The Ultimate Fighter 19 Finale stands as the fastest finish in a “TUF” tournament final.

Anderson’s 53 takedowns landed in UFC light heavyweight competition are most in divisional history.

Anderson lands 50 percent of his takedown attempts in UFC light-heavyweight competition, the third-highest rate in divisional history behind Lyoto Machida (65 percent) and Blachowicz (52 percent).

Anderson lands 4.98 takedowns per 15 minutes of fighting in UFC light heavyweight competition, the highest rate in divisional history.

Anderson’s 12 takedowns landed against Patrick Cummins at UFC Fight Night 128 are the single-fight record for a UFC light-heavyweight bout.

Anderson’s 12 takedowns landed vs. Cummins at UFC Fight Night 128 are tied for the fifth most in a single UFC fight.

Jan Blachowicz

Blachowicz competes in his third UFC headliner. He’s 1-1 in previous main events.

Blachowicz is 6-1 in his past seven UFC appearances dating back to October 2017. The only defeat in that stretch came to Thiago Santos.

Blachowicz is one of two light heavyweights in UFC history to earn a knockout stemming from a body kick. He accomplished the feat at UFC Fight Night 53.

Blachowicz lands 52 percent of his takedown attempts in UFC light-heavyweight competition, the second highest rate in divisional history behind Machida (65 percent).

Co-main event

Diego Sanchez

[autotag]Diego Sanchez[/autotag] (29-12 MMA, 18-12 UFC), 38, is the oldest of the 26 fighters scheduled to compete at the event.

Sanchez competes in his 31st UFC bout, tied for the fourth most appearances in company history behind Donald Cerrone (34), Jim Miller (33) and Jeremy Stephens (32).

Sanchez is the only active UFC fighter who was a cast member on “The Ultimate Fighter 1.”

Sanchez is one of two fighters in UFC history to compete in four different weight classes. Kenny Florian also accomplished the feat.

Sanchez is one of nine fighters in UFC history to earn victories in three different weight classes.

Sanchez is 2-2 since he returned to the UFC welterweight division in November 2017. He’s 11-6 at 170 pounds under the UFC banner.

Sanchez’s 12 victories by decision in UFC competition are tied with Georges St-Pierre for most in company history.

Sanchez has fought to a decision 20 times in UFC competition, the most in company history.

Sanchez has absorbed 1,342 total head strikes in his UFC career, the second-most in company history behind B.J. Penn (1,434).

Remaining main card

Montana De La Rosa

[autotag]Montana De La Rosa[/autotag]’s (10-5 MMA, 3-1 UFC) three stoppage victories in UFC women’s flyweight competition are tied with Valentina Shevchenko for second most in divisional history behind Gillian Robertson (four).

De La Rosa’s three submission victories in UFC women’s flyweight competition are tied with Robertson for most in divisional history.

[autotag]Rogerio Bontorin[/autotag] (16-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC) has earned 14 of his 16 career victories by stoppage.

[autotag]Ray Borg[/autotag] (12-4 MMA, 6-4 UFC) returns to the flyweight division for the first time since October 2017. He’s 5-3 in the weight class under the UFC banner.

Lando Vannata

[autotag]Lando Vannata[/autotag] (10-4-2 MMA, 2-4-2 UFC) is 1-3-2 in his past six UFC appearances.

Vannata’s two draws in men’s UFC competition are tied with Ken Shamrock, B.J. Penn and Caol Uno for most in company history.

[autotag]Yancy Medeiros[/autotag] (15-6 MMA, 6-6 UFC) was unsuccessful in his return to the UFC lightweight division at UFC on ESPN+ 1 in January 2019. He’s 3-5 (with one no contest) in the weight class overall.

Medeiros’ average fight time of 6:58 in UFC lightweight competition is third shortest among active fighters in the weight class behind Charles Oliveira (4:51) and Drew Dober (6:41).

Medeiros vs. Alex Oliveira at UFC 218 is the only fight in UFC history to feature two knockdowns for each fighter.

Preliminary card

Tim Means

[autotag]Tim Means[/autotag] (29-11-1 MMA, 11-8 UFC) is 9-6 (with one no contest) since he returned to the UFC for a second stint in May 2014.

[autotag]John Dodson[/autotag] (20-11 MMA, 9-6 UFC) returns to competition for the first time since Feb. 23, 2019. The 357-day layoff is the longest of his 15-year career.

Dodson enters the event on the first losing skid of his career. He’s 1-3 in his past four bouts and hasn’t earned a victory since March 2018.

Dodson is 3-4 since he returned to the UFC bantamweight division in April 2016. He’s 4-4 in the weight class overall.

Dodson has fought to three split decision results in UFC bantamweight competition, tied for second most in divisional history behind Kyung Ho Kang (four).

[autotag]Nathaniel Wood[/autotag] (16-3 MMA, 3-0 UFC) has earned 14 of his 16 career victories by stoppage. That includes all three of his UFC wins.

Wood’s three submission victories in UFC bantamweight competition are tied for third most in divisional history behind Urijah Faber (six) and Rani Yahya (five).

Wood’s three-fight submission streak in UFC competition is tied with Claudio Silva for the longest among active fighters on the roster.

Jim Miller

[autotag]Jim Miller[/autotag] (31-13 MMA, 20-12 UFC) competes in his 34th UFC bout, tied with Cerrone for the most appearances in company history.

Miller competes in his 33rd UFC lightweight bout, the most in divisional history.

Miller’s total fight time of 5:06:47 in UFC lightweight competition is most in divisional history.

Miller’s 20 victories in UFC competition are tied with Jon Jones, Georges St-Pierre and Michael Bisping for third most in company history behind Cerrone (23) and Demian Maia (22).

Miller’s 19 victories in UFC lightweight competition are the most in divisional history.

Miller’s 12 stoppage victories in UFC lightweight competition are second most in divisional history behind Joe Lauzon (13).

Miller’s nine submission victories in UFC lightweight competition are most in divisional history.

Miller’s 42 submission attempts in UFC competition are the most in company history.

[autotag]Devin Clark[/autotag] (10-4 MMA, 4-4 UFC) has alternated wins and losses over his past six UFC appearances. He was defeated in his most recent bout at UFC on ESPN+ 19 in October.

Clark has earned all of his UFC victories by decision. He’s suffered all of his career losses by stoppage.

[autotag]Dequan Townsend[/autotag] (21-9 MMA, 0-1 UFC) becomes the first fighter to make two UFC appearances in 2020. He suffered a defeat at UFC on ESPN+ 24 on Jan. 25.

Merab Dvalishvili

[autotag]Merab Dvalishvili[/autotag]’s (9-4 MMA, 2-2 UFC) 11 takedowns landed at UFC Fight Night 123 are tied for the single-fight UFC/WEC bantamweight record.

Dvalishvili’s 11 takedowns landed at UFC Fight Night 123 are tied for the single-fight UFC record for most in a loss.

Dvalishvili outlanded Terrion Ware by 183 total strikes at UFC Fight Night 136, the biggest differential in a single UFC/WEC bantamweight bout.

[autotag]Mark De La Rosa[/autotag] (11-3 MMA, 2-3 UFC), along with his wife Montana, become the first spouses in UFC history to compete on the same card.

[autotag]Raulian Paiva[/autotag] (18-3 MMA, 0-2 UFC), 24, is the youngest of the 26 fighters scheduled to compete at the event.

UFC research analyst and live statistics producer Michael Carroll contributed to this story. Follow him on Twitter @MJCflipdascript.

MMA Junkie reader predictions: Make your picks for UFC on ESPN+ 25 in Rio Rancho

We want your predictions for Saturday’s UFC on ESPN+ 25 event in Rio Rancho, N.M.

We want your predictions for Saturday’s UFC on ESPN+ 25 event in Rio Rancho.

Our staff picks feature includes the consensus picks from MMA Junkie readers. Simply cast your vote for each bout below, and we’ll use the official tallies that are registered by Thursday at noon ET (9 a.m. PT).

Those MMA Junkie reader consensus picks will be part of the UFC on ESPN+ 25 event staff predictions we release Friday ahead of the event. UFC on ESPN+ 25 takes place Saturday at Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho, N.M. The event streams on ESPN+.

Make your picks for all six main card fights inside:

Yancy Medeiros excited for stylistic matchup with Lando Vannata at UFC on ESPN+ 25

Yancy Medeiros is excited for his stylistic matchup with Lando Vannata, knows he’s going to bring it when they meet in New Mexico.

[autotag]Yancy Medeiros[/autotag] is confident he has the perfect dance partner on Feb. 15.

Medeiros (15-6 MMA, 6-6 UFC) takes on [autotag]Lando Vannata[/autotag] at UFC on ESPN+ 25 in Rio Rancho, N.M., a matchup which pits two strikers who like to throw down.

“He’s going to bring that fight regardless,” Medeiros told MMA Junkie. “He’s not going to go over there and try to win by points. I ain’t either, that always brings out the best in me, and the worst in me but I’m working on that and we’re cleaning that up.”

In his last outing, Medeiros suffered a second-round TKO to Gregor Gillespie, who stifled him with his wrestling and pressure.

But in Vannata (10-4-2 MMA, 2-4-2 UFC), Medeiros will face an opponent who brings a mirror-image style: The duo have high finish rates and a combined nine post-fight bonuses.

“He’s an opportunist, when he sees it, he’s going to take it and I’m the same way,” Medeiros said. “We smell blood, we’re going in for it so I’m happy. Yeah, we have that similar trait, of fighting. We want to get in each other’s face and go toe to toe so he’s going to be groovy but I’m going to be smooth.”

Although he wasn’t able to make good against Gillespie in his return to lightweight, Medeiros has adopted a plant-based diet, that has allowed him to walk around 10-15 pounds lighter than usual.

Medeiros said the Diaz brothers, his frequent training partners and noted vegans, turned him on to his new diet.

“Nick and Nate are the ones who introduced me to eating healthy, a healthy lifestyle,” Medeiros said. “They’re real ninjas, we eat this, we eat plants, that’s what us as soldiers do, we do that. We go on 10-mile runs and 20-mile mountain bike rides. They introduced me to that. I went through a whole bootcamp when I first met them.

“Two months just stayed and there and wasn’t an (expletive). I came from Hawaii eating loco mocos, just all kinds of meat and everything, and then I went over there and they just enlightened me on just being healthy, and having an active lifestyle.”

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Plagued with injuries over the past couple of years, Medeiros hasn’t been as active as he would have liked, only competing twice in that span. He spent the time off nursing nagging injuries that he’s been dealing with for years.

“After my last fight, I wanted to address a lot of injuries that I worked around and I’m not making any excuses, I just felt like you know, I could take things a bit more slower and address this thing throughout the summer,” he said. “I went to the (UFC Performance Institute) for the first time – even prior to summer, spring I’m talking about, like I had a lot of hip injuries and all these other (expletive) that was going on with me just from wear and tear over the years and I realized I worked around a lot of injuries.”

Healed and rejuvenated, Medeiros hopes 2020 can be an active year, as he looks to display the best version of himself on Feb. 15.

“What I need to do, is make sure that I go in there, the best Yancy and just all the things I need to correct with me and my bad habits and the things that – all the fights that I lost, or I got beat up in, they took advantage of and I need to correct that.”

“I’m excited for myself more than anything because I really want this and I had a lot of me time going on these last two years. I fought twice in two years and I really have a lot to prove to myself.”

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