When Mikaela Mayer and Sandy Ryan collide once again in Las Vegas, the boxing world braces for a thunderous rematch between two of the welterweight division’s fiercest rivals. Their first encounter, filled with controversy, bad blood, and elite-level action, ended with Mayer snatching the WBO title from Ryan in a fiery decision. Now, as they return to settle scores at the Fontainebleau on March 29, 2025, everything is on the line. This article dives into the key narratives: their styles, psychological warfare, prior performances, and the explosive buildup to this grudge rematch.
Mikaela Mayer vs. Sandy Ryan 2 Details
Venue and Broadcast Details
Boxing fans can catch all the action live from the Fontainebleau Las Vegas; a venue known for hosting top-tier combat sports. The highly anticipated Mayer vs. Ryan 2 is set to headline a stacked card, with ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ broadcasting the event starting at 10pm ET / 7pm PT / 2am GMT. For early fight fans, the undercard begins streaming at 7pm ET / 4pm PT / 11pm GMT on ESPN+.
The First Encounter at Madison Square Garden
183 days (about 6 months) ago, Mayer and Ryan clashed inside the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden. What followed was an intense 10-round slugfest in front of 5,000 roaring fans. Mayer, now 34, used superior footwork and fast hands to dominate the early rounds. She opened it with a sharp right cross that caught Ryan flat-footed. Ryan, 31, from Derby, had her best showing in round nine, throwing heavy leather and pushing the pace. Still, the judges scored it 95-95, 96-94, and 97-93, crowning Mayer as the new WBO welterweight world champion and a two-weight world titleholder.
Grudge Match Origins
Their animosity began when Mayer accused Ryan of stealing her trainer after the British fighter joined her U.S. gym. Tensions escalated before the first fight when Ryan was shockingly doused with red paint outside her hotel. Mayer publicly condemned the attack, but Ryan suspected foul play, stating, “Who knew what time I was coming down from my hotel to the venue? They knew what time.” Things boiled over at the weigh-in when Ryan turned her back and refused to touch gloves with Mayer.
Styles Make Fights
Mikaela Mayer’s strategy was built around movement, angles, and timing. Her ability to pivot left and control distance frustrated Ryan, who struggled early. Ryan, however, thrives on pressure, and by round nine, her relentless output had Mayer trading punches in toe-to-toe exchanges. While Mayer absorbed big shots, she showed her durability and composure under fire. Ryan’s powerful attacks came with intent, but her tendency to load up early left her vulnerable to counters.
Adjustments for the Rematch
Ryan’s biggest flaw in the first bout was her slow start. She needs to bring that round-nine energy from the opening bell, closing the distance early and forcing Mayer into uncomfortable exchanges. On the other side, Mayer must stick to her blueprint—movement, jabs, and angles—while bracing for an even more aggressive Ryan. Whether Mayer can repeat her flawless execution or Ryan can disrupt her rhythm early may decide the outcome.
Psychological Warfare
The war of words is as fierce as the battle inside the ring. Ryan remarked, “You can see she loves the attention, the talk… When you do not give her that, it triggers her.” Mayer shot back, “Her coach wants to hide and stay in the shadows… I don’t do anything but speak the facts.” The verbal chess match adds another layer to the psychological game each fighter must master before stepping through the ropes again.
Betting Odds and Wagering Insights
Oddsmakers have this rematch razor close. Mayer is slightly favored at 11/10, while Ryan is listed at 39/40. A draw sits on 16/1. These odds reflect just how tight the first encounter was—and the belief that either fighter could make the necessary adjustments to win. For readers interested in placing informed wagers on this bout, exploring the best betting sites can enhance their betting experience, offering insights, bonuses, and tools for deeper analysis.
The BetMGM Factor
The anticipation surrounding the Mayer vs. Ryan rematch has electrified the fight community. With storylines rooted in rivalry, redemption, and razor-thin margins, fans are dissecting every stat, sparring session, and weigh-in moment. Beyond just bragging rights, this matchup is drawing attention from seasoned bettors and casual fans alike, all eager to add another layer of excitement to an already intense showdown.
With high stakes on the line, many fans are seeking trusted platforms to back their pick. For those diving into the rematch’s wagering opportunities, taking advantage of the best BetMGM bonus code provides a competitive edge. Whether siding with Mayer’s finesse or Ryan’s grit, a bonus boost helps maximize the thrill of fight night.
Undercard Action
Before Mayer and Ryan steal the show, the undercard offers elite matchups. Brian Norman Jr. defends his WBO welterweight world title against Derrieck Cuevas in a 12-round contest. Bruce Carrington battles Jose Enrique Vivas in a 10-round WBC featherweight eliminator, while Emiliano Fernando Vargas takes on Giovannie Gonzalez over 8 rounds in the junior welterweight division. Also featured: Tiger Johnson vs. Kendo Castañeda (8×3 welterweight), Dedrick Crocklem vs. Dionne Ruvalcaba (4×3 junior lightweight), and Emmanuel Chance vs. Miguel Guzman (4×3 bantamweight).
Fight Night Prediction
Their first bout was an all-out war, and this sequel is set for even higher intensity. Mayer followed her game plan to perfection last time, combining speed, IQ, and timing. Ryan’s surge in round nine showed she is capable of turning the tide, but she needs to bring sustained pressure from the jump. If Mayer repeats her execution, she can outpoint Ryan again—but it will not be easy. The pick: Mikaela Mayer to win on points in another brutal, high-level 10-round duel.
Mikaela Mayer vs. Sandy Ryan Running Order Recap
Main Card – ESPN / ESPN Deportes / ESPN+ (10pm ET / 7pm PT / 2am GMT)Mikaela Mayer vs. Sandy Ryan – 10×2 for Mayer’s WBO Welterweight World TitleBrian Norman Jr. vs. Derrieck Cuevas – 12×3 for Norman’s WBO Welterweight World TitleUndercard – ESPN+ (7pm ET / 4pm PT / 11pm GMT)Bruce Carrington vs. Jose Enrique Vivas – 10×3 WBC Featherweight EliminatorEmiliano Fernando Vargas vs. Giovannie Gonzalez – 8×3 Junior WelterweightTiger Johnson vs. Kendo Castañeda – 8×3 WelterweightDedrick Crocklem vs. Dionne Ruvalcaba – 4×3 Junior LightweightEmmanuel Chance vs. Miguel Guzman – 4×3 Bantamweight
This grudge match is not just a title defense—it is about pride, redemption, and reputation. Mayer’s victory at MSG turned her into a two-weight world champion. For Ryan, this is personal and professional vengeance. With explosive undercard fights and razor-thin odds, Saturday night promises drama from start to finish. Boxing’s elite spotlight is firmly fixed on Las Vegas, and only one will walk away with the belt—and the bragging rights.
