Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Dan Tom

Mackenzie Dern vs. Loopy Godinez prediction, pick, start time, odds for UFC on ABC 7

Mackenzie Dern and Loopy Godinez meet Saturday on the main card of UFC on ABC 7 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom. 

Last event: 3-2
UFC main cards, 2024: 64-56-3

Mackenzie Dern vs. Loopy Godinez UFC on ABC 7 preview

Despite her recent struggles, Dern (13-5 MMA, 8-5 UFC) enters UFC on ABC 7 believing she can still be champion. If there’s any chance for that to happen, she must win Saturday after losing four of her past six bouts. Dern is coming off back-to-back losses to Jessica Andrade and Amanda Lemos. … Godinez (12-4 MMA, 7-4 UFC) appeared to be inching oh so close to strawweight title contention as she was on a four-fight winning streak until losing a unanimous decision to Virna Jandiroba this past March.

Mackenzie Dern vs. Loopy Godinez UFC on ABC 7 expert pick, prediction

Despite Dern being the more known and experienced product between the two of them, I’d argue that both ladies are still developing fighters.

Although there’s a lot to like about Godinez’s potential, she seems to be going through growing pains when it comes to connecting her game. The same can still be said for Dern, but there’s no denying the finishing upside she has over a decent majority of her peers.

Add in the fact that Dern appears to be back with well respected striking coach Jason Parillo, and I can’t help but be somewhat optimistic for the Brazilian in this spot.

It’s still a tight fight that I see having a high potential to go to decision, but I’ll semi-reluctantly side with Dern to edge out the scorecards for throwing with the kind of eye-catching power that (right or wrong) tends to catch the eyes of the judges.

Mackenzie Dern vs. Loopy Godinez UFC on ABC 7 odds

Despite the oddsmakers technically opening the Mexican as the slight favorite, public money has come in on the Brazilian and flipped the line, listing Dern -130 and Godinez +106 via FanDuel.

Mackenzie Dern vs. Loopy Godinez UFC on ABC 7 start time, how to watch

Dern and Godinez are expected to walk out to the cage at approximately 3:30 p.m. ET. The fight will air on ABC and stream on ESPN+.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ABC 7.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.