Lando Vannata and Charles Jourdain will lock their fists in a featherweight bout at UFC Vegas 52 on Saturday, 23rd April. Both Jourdain (12-4-1) and Vannata (12-5-2) are looking to get on their winning ways after their most recent outings.
Jourdain won a unanimous decision over Andre Ewell in December and was to step in on short notice to fight Ilia Topuria last month, but the bout was canceled due to Topuria’s weight cut problem.
On the other hand, Vannata is also coming off a split decision over Mike Grundy in his featherweight debut after fighting 10 battles in the lightweight division. Vannata has been the winner of four “Fight of the Night” awards. In other words, we will see an exciting featherweight matchup featuring two electrifying strikers who have a natural affinity to fight an all-out war.
Tale of the Tape
Lando Vannata | Charles Jourdain | |
30 | Age | 27 |
5’9 | Height | 5’9 |
155 lbs | Weight | 145 lbs |
71 inches | Reach | 69 inches |
12-5-2 | Record | 12-4-1 |
Fight Breakdown
Lando Vannata is a veteran fighter who is known for making a fight rather entertaining. He is a well-skilled predominant boxer but also known to implement his kicks as well. Although he prefers to fight in the pocket, going for the body and hunting head often with his excellent boxing, he also uses his takedown abilities to change the direction of a fight.
Interestingly, he is an NCAA Division 1 wrestler, as he showcased his grappling in his previous fight. But he usually employs boxing as his primary tactic, while he is more of a counter-puncher than one who marches down his opponent. He uses a pressure-heavy approach to ensure close-range hands rather than long-range attacks.
As mentioned, Vannata has the abilities and skills to find success on feet but his lack of defensive movement and long-range kicks might put him in danger against a similar counter-striking, pressure-fighter in Jourdain.
Like his opponent, Charles Jourdain is also one of the most entertaining fighters on the entire roster. He always finds a way to make a fight exciting, as he employs a heavy-pressure approach with frequent kicks from both stances.
Jourdain uses a unique technique, often used by kick-dominant fighters at a higher level. They know how to utilize their advanced distance management and footwork to keep their opponent at bay. After setting the range, they use their long-range attacks, kicks, and counters to find success on the feet.
Other than the aggressive pressure fighting style, Jourdain is also equipped with strong cardio and strong muay Thai techniques. He often finds an opportunity to land brutal knees and elbows while inside the pocket, which often results in a stoppage rather than a decision. Apart from that, he is also a black belt in jiu-jitsu.
Who will leave the Cage victorious?
This fight will most likely earn the ‘Fight of the Night’, as we will witness both aggressive and counter-strikers from both corners. Both fighters are extremely skillful and exciting strikers, but they can grapple too.
I see a back-and-forth war, with both fighters having success on their feet. This fight might get ugly if it goes the distance but I believe Vannata will have some moments of success with his boxing, given his ability to knock out opponents with one strike.
Meanwhile, Jourdain will also find success in landing a variety of kicks, knees, and elbows, particularly with Vannata, given his lack of defensive movement when getting pressured. Although I see Vannata boxing in the pocket a lot, I also think he will try to wrestle when needed, and it will be a deciding factor where this fight goes.
In my opinion, this will be a thrilling war on the feet. I feel Jourdain will constantly move, and land powerful kicks. He will use his speed to inflict more damage, and out-strike Vannata to win this bout via unanimous decision.
Prediction: Charles Jourdain via Decision