Roman Dolidze (2.50) vs. Nassourdine Imavov (1.57)
Dolidze is 6-2 in UFC, 12-2 overall. Last 5: W-W-W-W-L
Imavov is 4-2-1 in UFC, 12-4-1 overall. Last 5: W-W-W-L-NC
Dolidze (35) was unlucky to lose a decision to Marvin Vettori in his only appearance last year at UFC 286. Prior to that he had enjoyed an incredible 2022, going 3-0 - all finishes - including the biggest win of his career when he pulled off a unique calf slicer sweep and finished a trapped Jack Hermansson with strikes in December. First round wins earlier that year over Phil Hawes (KO) and Kyle Daukaus (KO). Now 4-2 at MW, suffering the first defeat of his career against Trevin Giles (decision) before the first of four wins in a row against Laureano Staropoli (decision). Started his UFC career 2-0 as a LHW, finishing Khadis Ibragimov (KO) in the first round of his debut and following that up with a dominant grappling display against John Allan (decision) before deciding to move down and become one of the largest MWs on the UFC roster. Spent most of his regional career competing in the Ukrainian-based WWFC organisation. Two good regional wins over Michal Pasternak (16-9) and Eder de Souza (19-10). 10/12 wins inside the distance (7 KO, 3 SUB). High level wrestler. Striking looks stiff on the feet but throws with power. Some question marks about how his cardio holds up at MW when made to work for his takedowns and this will be the first five round fight of his career. Now training at Xtreme Couture.
Imavov (28) had a frustrating 2023; he was unsuccessful in his first UFC main event booking versus Sean Strickland (decision) in January before having his fight with Chris Curtis at UFC 289 - a fight he was comfortably winning - ruled a no contest due to an accidental headbutt. He was elevated to main event status after winning four of his first five trips to the Octagon; his most recent victory was over Joaquin Buckley (decision) on the France card in the second half of 2022. Distinguished himself as one of the MWs to watch in the second half of 2021, picking up finishes over Ian Heinisch (KO) and Edmen Shahbazyan (KO). Very nearly completed a third round comeback against Phil Hawes earlier in 2021 but his opponent clung on to win the decision having taken the first two rounds. Made an assured start to his UFC career in 2020, picking up a unanimous decision win over Jordan Williams. The Dagestani who fights out of France entered the UFC on a five fight winning streak, including a KO of UFC veteran Jonathan Meunier in the debut show of top European regional promotion Ares FC. One other notable career win over Gregor Weibel (13-5-1). Career setbacks against the much more experienced Majdeddine Ayadi (14-4-1) in his MMA debut and Michal Michalski (11-5). Has competed as a big (6'3) WW in the past but has opted to fight at MW in the UFC. Has shown a tendency to slow down in the second half of fights. 9/12 wins inside the distance (5 KO, 4 SUB). Trains at MMA Factory.
Clear stylistic grappler versus striker match-up. I expect Dolidze to have success with takedowns early but if he can't get a finish in the first two rounds then I can see Imavov taking over on the feet.
Prediction: Imavov by KO in round 4.
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Renato Moicano (1.53) vs. Drew Dober (2.62)
Moicano is 9-5 in UFC, 17-5-1 overall. Last 5: L-W-W-L-W
Dober is 13-8-1 in UFC, 27-12-1 overall. Last 5: W-W-W-L-W
Moicano (34) didn't fight at all in 2023; we last saw him walk through Brad Riddell (submission) in the first round at UFC 281. He showcased real toughness to make it to the final bell of a five round 160-lb catchweight fight with Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 272 but was convincingly beaten on the scorecards. 4-1 at LW since moving up from FW, picking up dominant submission wins over Damir Hadzovic, Jai Herbert and Alexander Hernandez along with a first round KO loss to Rafael Fiziev at UFC 256. Formerly a top five ranked FW having beaten good competition in Cub Swanson (submission), Calvin Kattar (decision) and Jeremy Stephens (decision) but he finished his time in that division with back-to-back KO losses in high profile match-ups against the Korean Zombie and Jose Aldo. Suffered the first defeat of his professional career halfway through 2017 when Brian Ortega submitted him with a third round guillotine. Other UFC wins against Tom Niinimaki (submission) and Zubair Tukhugov (decision). BJJ black belt (10/17 wins by submission) but a well-rounded fighter (despite zero KO wins on his record) having developed his striking over the course of his UFC career. There were some question marks about his ability to absorb damage (3/4 losses via KO) but that seems better at a higher weight. Fights out of Constrictor Team.
Dober (35) was finished by Matt Frevola (KO) at UFC 288 but rebounded later in 2023 to defeat Ricky Glenn via first round KO. He had an excellent 2022, going 3-0 with the best of those wins coming on the final show of 2022 against Bobby Green (KO) - all three of those wins came via KO with the other two against Terrance McKinney and Rafael Alves. That was a strong bounce-back following back-to-back losses against Brad Riddell (decision) and current LW Champion Islam Makhachev (submission) in 2021. That stiffer competition was a reward following a three-fight win streak that included a pair of impressive KO wins over Alexander Hernandez and Nasrat Haqparast. Submitted in 4/8 UFC losses - others against Beneil Dariush, Olivier Aubin-Mercier and Efrain Escudero. Much improved over the second half of his UFC career with other wins over Scott Holtzman (decision), Jon Tuck (decision), Frank Camacho (decision), Josh Burkman (KO), Jason Gonzalez (KO) and Marco Polo Reyes (KO). Started his UFC career 1-3-1, it was quite the turnaround to make it to the rankings of the deepest division in the sport. 14/27 wins by KO. Regional losses to UFC veterans Will Brooks (decision) and Ramiro Hernandez (KO). Trains at Elevation Fight Team.
I'd expect a finish here given that both are strong where the other has some question marks. Ultimately I think it is Dober who is more out of depth if he doesn't get the fight he wants.
Prediction: Moicano by submission in round 2.
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Randy Brown (1.36) vs. Muslim Salikhov (3.25)
Brown is 11-5 in UFC, 17-5 overall. Last 5: W-W-W-L-W
Salikhov is 6-3 in UFC, 19-4 overall. Last 5: W-W-L-W-L
Brown (33) will look to finish the year on the right note having gone 1-1 so far; he began the year by having a four-fight win streak halted by Jack Della Maddalena (submission) before he rebounded to beat Wellington Turman (decision). The win streak featured wins in 2022 over Francisco Trinaldo (decision) and Kalinn Williams (decision) and wins in 2021 over Alex Oliveira (submission) and Jared Gooden (decision). Other wins since 2019 against Bryan Barberena (KO) and Warlley Alves (submission) with the only loss in his last eight coming against ranked WW Vicente Luque (KO). Three other setbacks in the UFC, including a bizarre loss to Niko Price halfway through 2018 where he was finished by hammerfists from the bottom. Struggled for consistency at the beginning of his UFC career, looking brilliant in a demolition of Brian Camozzi (KO), showing his natural talent in a come from behind submission of Erick Montano and winning a decision against Mickey Gall at UFC 217 but then looking considerably outclassed in other losses against Michael Graves (submission) and Belal Muhammad (decision). Discovered through Dana White's Lookin' for a Fight series after going 6-0 in Ring of Combat. Extremely large, long frame for WW (6'3). 11/17 wins inside the distance (6 KO, 5 SUB). Trains at Budokan Martial Arts Academy.
Salikhov (39) has lost two of his last three with losses to Jingliang Li (KO) and Nicholas Dalby (decision) either side of a win over Andre Fialho (KO). Prior to that he won five in a row with the pick of those the final two over veteran Brazilians Francisco Trinaldo (decision) and Elizeu Zaleski (decision). Found his stride in the UFC in 2019, finishing Nordine Taleb with a brutal overhand right at UFC 242 before returning a month later to pick up a unanimous decision win over Laureano Staropoli in Singapore. Got off to a poor start in the UFC at the end of 2017 when he was made to look like a fish out of water on the ground by a mid-level WW no longer on the roster in Alex Garcia (submission) before picking up his first UFC win against Ricky Rainey (KO) in April 2018. A five-time Wushu Sanda (essentially Chinese kickboxing) world champion (185-13-1 overall record in the sport), competed most of his regional MMA career in China. Flashy striker who loves spinning attacks. Registered two big career wins just before signing with the UFC, knocking out UFC veterans Ivan Jorge and Melvin Guillard. One other submission loss early in his career against Kris Hocum (9-6). 13/19 wins by KO. Trains at Berkut FC.
Salikhov has had a decent UFC career considering he arrived at the tail end of his prime but I think he's going to start struggling to keep up with the athletes in the division like Brown.
Prediction: Brown by decision.
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Viviane Araujo (4.00) vs. Natalia Silva (1.25)
Araujo is 6-4 in UFC, 12-5 overall. Last 5: L-W-L-L-W
Silva is 4-0 in UFC, 16-5-1 overall. Last 5: W-W-W-W-W
Araujo (37) snapped a two fight losing streak with a win over former WFLW title challenger Jennifer Maia (decision) in October - those setbacks had come against current UFC WFLW Champion Alexa Grasso (decision) and Amanda Ribas (decision). Her only other win in her last five was over Andrea Lee (decision) in 2022; her other UFC losses came to other former WFLW title challengers Katlyn Chookagian (decision) and Jessica Eye (decision). Looked outstanding in her short notice UFC debut, landing a beautiful overhand right KO of Talita Bernardo at UFC 237 while fighting above her usual weight class at WBW. Others UFC wins over Roxanne Modafferi, Alexis Davis and Montana De La Rosa - all via decision - after moving down to compete at her usual WFLW weight class. Competed as low as WSW earlier in his career. Prior to signing with the UFC she was competing in Japan, beating veteran Emi Fujino (28-14-2) and Ayaka Miura (12-5-1). One other professional loss to UFC veteran Sarah Frota (KO). 7/12 wins inside the distance (3 KO, 4 SUB). Trains at Cerrado MMA.
Silva (26) passed the biggest test of her UFC career so far when she defeated Andrea Lee (decision) at UFC 292. She made a real impact upon her arrival in the UFC in 2022, putting on a very assured performance against Jasmine Jaudavicius (decision) in June before returning in November to stop Tereza Bleda with a spinning back kick. Last year she also dominated Victoria Leonardo (KO) in a very lopsided first round stoppage. Received the UFC call having been dominant on the Brazilian circuit, going 9-1 in her last ten regional fights with the pick of those against Joice Mara (12-6). Her only loss over that period came against ranked UFC WSW Marina Rodriguez (decision). Started her MMA career 3-4-1 as a teenager, picking up losses against Daiane Firmino (10-5), Kenya Miranda x2 (2-3) and Elaine Leal (10-8). A good finisher with 13/16 wins inside the distance (6 KO, 7 SUB). Trains at Team Borracha.
Araujo is a good test to see whether Silva is ready for really big fights in the division - with an 11-year youth advantage, I fancy Silva to win this one via being the faster, more active striker.
Prediction: Silva by decision.
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Aliaskhab Khizriev (1.66) vs. Makhmud Muradov (2.25)
Khizriev is 1-0 in UFC, 12-0 overall. Last 5: W-W-W-W-W
Muradov is 4-2 in UFC, 26-8 overall. Last 5: W-W-L-L-W
Khizriev (33) has had a really slow start to his UFC career; he has only managed one UFC appearance - a second round submission of Denis Tiuliulin in 2022 - having been signed when he submitted Henrique Shiguemoto (14-4-2) inside a minute all the way back on the 2020 edition of Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series. Compiled an impressive record on the Russian MMA scene, going 4-0 with major regional promotions Fight Nights Global and M-1. The most notable regional win on his record is former UFC MW Rousimar Palhares, who he knocked out inside a minute. Other decent career wins over Yasubey Enomoto (22-14) and Matej Truhan (10-8). Short build for the MW division (5'10). 9/12 wins inside the distance (5 KO, 4 SUB).
Muradov (33) made comfortable work of a good stylistic match-up with Bryan Barberena (decision) in July. That win snapped a two fight losing streak following setbacks against Caio Borralho (decision) and Gerald Meerschaert (submission). Started his UFC career very well with wins over Alessio Di Chirico (decision) and Trevor Smith (KO) in the second half of 2019 and then finishing Andrew Sanchez (KO) in the third round at the beginning of 2021. The Uzbek earned his UFC chance by going an impressive 18-2 after beginning his professional career 4-4. Competed for top Czech regional promotion Oktagon MMA, going 2-0 with wins over UFC veterans Alberto Emeliano Pereira (KO) and Wendell Marques (KO). Other notable career wins over Grzegorz Siwy (13-5), Deyan Topalski (16-6), Rafael Silva (40-18) and Shota Gvasalia (12-10-1). Losses since 2014 against David Ramires (8-6, later avenged) and Maciej Rozanski (14-5). 17/26 wins by KO, 4/8 losses by submission. Fights out of Monster Gym in Czech Republic.
Khizriev looked a good prospect when he was signed but he has lost all momentum by being so inactive. The match-up is clear striker versus grappler, I think Muradov gets taken down early but ends up rallying to defeat a tiring opponent.
Prediction: Muradov by KO in round 3.
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Molly McCann (1.36) vs. Diana Belbita (3.25)
McCann is 6-5 in UFC, 13-6 overall. Last 5: W-W-W-L-L
Belbita is 2-4 in UFC, 15-8 overall. Last 5: L-W-L-W-L
McCann (33) looks to rebound from a two-fight losing streak with the setbacks against Erin Blanchfield and Julija Stoliarenko both coming via first round submission. She had tremendous success on the UK shows in 2022, putting together spectacular finishes of Hannah Goldy (KO) and Luana Carolina (KO) to launch herself into the spotlight alongside teammate Paddy Pimblett. Those wins were part of a three fight win streak that began with a win over Ji Yeon Kim (decision). We saw her lack of takedown defence exposed in back-to-back losses against Taila Santos (decision) and Lara Procopio (decision). Strung together three UFC wins on the bounce in 2019 with those successes coming against Belbita (decision), Ariane Lipski (decision) and Priscila Cachoeira (decision). The scouser debuted in May 2018 in front of a loud Liverpool crowd before Gillian Robertson (submission) silenced them. Signed as reigning Cage Warriors WFLW Champion, going 3-0 with that promotion. One other pro loss to UFC WBW Vanessa Melo (decision) in her second pro fight. 7/13 wins by decision, 3/6 losses by submission. Trains at Next Generation MMA Liverpool.
Belbita (27) probably saved her UFC job with a win over Maria Oliveira (decision) at UFC 289 but couldn't build on that success against Karolina Kowalkiewicz (decision) in October. Her other UFC win came in 2021, out-striking Hannah Goldy for the first two rounds and clinging on to survive a third-round comeback. Started strong in both other UFC fights before squandering the ascendancy; first of all against McCann (decision) in October 2019 and then against Liana Jojua (submission) in July 2020. One other UFC loss against Gloria de Paula (decision) in 2022. The Canada-based Romanian was a bit of a surprise signing given what has been a fairly mediocre career on the European regional scene. Regional losses to UFC veterans Ariane Lipski (submission) and Cristina Stanciu (submission) plus Eeva Siiskonen (5-6-2) and Iony Razafiarson (7-5-1). Her best regional win came over Katarzyna Lubonska (7-3) in a 1-1 spell with KSW back in 2016-17. Trains at House of Champions MMA.
Not sure why this rematch is being put together. Belbita doesn't have any of the skills that McCann struggles with (wrestling, BJJ) so I'd expect McCann to box her up on the feet.
Prediction: McCann by decision.
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Charles Johnson (3.00) vs. Azat Maksum (1.40)
Johnson is 2-4 in UFC, 13-6 overall. Last 5: W-W-L-L-L
Maksum is 1-0 in UFC, 17-0 overall. Last 5: W-W-W-W-W
Johnson (32) has his back against the wall having lost three in a row last year; the bad run started with a loss to Ode Osbourne (decision) in February before other setbacks against Cody Durden (decision) and Rafael Estevam (decision). He did pick up a win last year, running through Jimmy Flick (KO) on the first show of the year. Unable to get off any offence in a difficult stylistic debut match-up against Muhammad Mokaev (decision) halfway through 2022 before rebounding against Zhalgas Zhumagulov in what was widely viewed as a bad decision. Entered the UFC as reigning and defending LFA FLW Champion, winning the belt against Yuma Horiuchi (9-5) before defending the belt with KO wins over Joao Camilo (8-7) and UFC veteran Carlos Mota (KO). Overall 6-1 in LFA with the loss coming against former UFC FLW title challenger Brandon Royval (decision). Other good career wins over Karlee Pangilinan (6-3), Marc Tong Van (9-6) and Jeremiah Cullum (5-2). One other career loss to Sean Santella (23-9-3). 9/13 wins inside the distance (6 KO), yet to be finished. Professional Boxing experience (although not much success, 1-3). Trains at Tiger Muay Thai. Tall FLW (5'9).
Maksum (28) is undefeated and on an impressive 17-fight win streak to begin his MMA career, although he was underwhelming in a split decision win over Tyson Nam in July. The Kazakh FLW has mostly competed on his local MMA circuit, picking up good wins over Fabricio Nunes (8-1), Alan Gabriel (11-8), Azamat Karabekov (8-5), Nurbek Bolotbekov (7-3) and Altynbek Magazov (5-3) for the Octagon organisation (8-0). His best career accomplishments to date came in a 2-0 spell in strong middle eastern regional organisation BRAVE FC where he picked up wins over Flavio de Queiroz (14-4) and Michael Aljarouz (10-3-1). 12/17 wins inside the distance (5 KO, 7 SUB). Tall for the weight class (5'8).
Maksum's stock took a hit following his debut but I think this is a more friendly stylistic match-up for him.
Prediction: Maksum by decision.
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Julija Stoliarenko (1.72) vs. Luana Carolina (2.10)
Stoliarenko is 2-5 in UFC, 11-7-2 overall. Last 5: L-L-W-L-W
Carolina is 4-3 in UFC, 9-4 overall. Last 5: W-W-L-L-W
Stoliarenko (30) picked up the biggest win of her career when she submitted Molly McCann inside two minutes with one of her trademark armbars in July. That was her first fight down at WFLW, which came after a bizarre decision to take a catchweight fight at 140 lbs fight against Chelsea Chandler - who finished her with strikes in the first round. Finally picked up her first UFC win at the fifth time of asking and in gnarly fashion too, dislocating Jessica Rose-Clark's arm with an armbar inside a minute at UFC 276. Lost her first three fights after returning to the UFC with those setbacks against Julia Avila (submission), Yana Santos (decision) and Alexis Davis (decision). The Lithuainian was a part of TUF 28 - losing a decision to Pannie Kianzad in the semi-finals - but was released after losing to Leah Letson (decision) at the finale show. Between UFC stints she went 5-0, including winning the Invicta FC BW title with a split decision win over Lisa Verzosa (6-2). Notable career losses to UFC veteran Lucie Pudilova (KO) and former Invicta FC contender Aga Niedzwiedz (10-1) - both by KO. 10/11 wins by submission - all armbars.
Carolina (30) was probably a little unfortunate to come out on the wrong side of a split decision against Joanne Wood at UFC 286 but rebounded a few months later with a unanimous decision win over the debuting Ivana Siric Petrovic. That win snapped a two fight losing streak - she was also on the end of arguably the greatest UFC WMMA KO of all-time from a Molly McCann spinning back elbow. Enjoyed a successful 2021, earning victories against Lupita Godinez (decision) and Poliana Botelho (decision). Did well to return within 10 months of what looked like a serious knee injury suffered when forced to tap to a nasty Ariane Lipski kneebar in 2020. Made her UFC debut at UFC 237, beating Priscila Cachoeira by unanimous decision. Earned her UFC shot with a successful appearance on the Brazilian edition of Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series in 2018, beating Mabelly Lima (9-2) by decision. Debuted in MMA in January 2015 but has struggled to stay active with only 12 fights in nine years of competing. Lost her professional debut against Daiane Firmino (10-5), didn't face any other notable competition on the regional scene. Tall, gangly build for the WFLW division. 6/9 wins by decision.
Stoliarenko remains a one-trick pony - albeit a pretty good trick. At this level these types of fighter should struggle but it wouldn't at all surprise me if Carolina gets caught in an armbar.
Prediction: Stoliarenko by submission in round 1.
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Blake Bilder (2.25) vs. Jeong Yeong Lee (1.66)
Bilder is 1-1 in UFC, 8-1-1 overall. Last 5: W-W-W-W-L
Lee is 1-0 in UFC, 10-1 overall. Last 5: W-W-W-W-W
Bilder (33) got his UFC career off to a good start with a win over Shane Young (decision) in enemy territory at UFC 284 but then lost his return to the Octagon against Kyle Nelson (decision) at UFC 289. A 2022 graduate of Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series, earning a contract with a first round submission of Alex Morgan (13-6). Before that his most notable career achievements had come in the CFFC regional organisation, going 2-0 with wins over Regivaldo Carvalho (9-4) and Frank Buenafuente (10-6). The only other time he didn't emerge with his hand raised was a draw with Dennis Linton (4-3-1) in his third professional fight. 7-0 as an amateur. 4/8 wins by submission. Trains at Spartan Martial Arts.
Lee (28) won the FW Road to the UFC competition when he beat Zha Yi by split decision last February. He needed just a combined 78 seconds to blast through Bin Xie (11-4) and Kai Lu (8-6-1) to book his spot in the final. The South Korean competed the rest of his career with top regional promotion Road FC, where he left as reigning FW Champion after picking up wins over Marcio Cesar (20-11-3), Mu Gyeom Choi (8-5) and Hae Jin Park (10-4) plus his only career setback against Se Young Kim (8-6) - which he later avenged. 7/10 wins inside the distance (4 KO, 3 SUB).
We'll see how these Road to the UFC guys fare in the UFC, I suspect they'll struggle (especially when travelling to fight in North America).
Prediction: Bilder by decision.
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Gilbert Urbina (1.50) vs. Charles Radtke (2.70)
Urbina is 1-1 in UFC, 7-2 overall. Last 5: W-L-W-L-W
Radtke is 1-0 in UFC, 8-3 overall. Last 5: W-W-W-W-W
Urbina (27) looked good in picking up his first UFC win over Orion Cosce (KO) in May. That came after taking a year and a half off after losing the TUF 29 MW final against Bryan Battle (submission) - he was brought back to compete in the final following the injury withdrawal of Tresean Gore, who had knocked him out of the competition in the semi-finals. Won one fight in the TUF house, beating Michael Gillmore (submission). Has experience in LFA (1-1) and Combate Americas (1-0). Notable career wins over Angelo Trevino (10-4) and Noel Ligon (5-2) and his only other pro loss is against currently ranked WW Sean Brady (decision). 3/7 wins by decision. Trains at BMF Ranch with Donald Cerrone.
Radtke (33) got off to a winning start at UFC 293, although it wasn't a particularly impressive performance against one of the worst fighters on the roster in Mike Mathetha (decision). He arrived at this level fresh off of winning the CFFC WW title against Raheam Forest (7-2) in the first half of last year. 4-0 overall in that organisation, including a good win over Jonathan Piersma (6-2-1). Started his career 3-3 with losses against UFC veteran Austin Hubbard (decision), Christopher Gonzalez (8-3) and Justin Montalvo (5-2). 5/8 wins inside the distance (3 KO, 2 SUB), 2/3 losses by decision. Trains at MMA MASTERS.
Urbina is coming off an impressive performance against an opponent who is probably on a similar level to Radtke.
Prediction: Urbina by decision.
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Thomas Petersen (1.62) vs. Jamal Pogues (2.30)
Peterson makes his UFC debut, 8-1 overall. Last 5: W-L-W-W-W
Pogues is 1-1 in UFC, 10-4 overall. Last 5: L-W-W-W-L
Petersen (28) graduated from Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series last year, submitting Chandler Cole (10-4) in the second round. Apart from his pro MMA debut, the rest of his career took place in LFA where he went 6-1; he won their HW title against Vernon Lewis (8-5) before losing it to current UFC HW Waldo Cortes-Acosta (KO). Lacks any other notable career wins with Richard Foster (6-5) the best of a bad bunch. Has finished all eight wins (7 KO). Wrestling background. Trains at Spartan MMA.
Pogues (28) went 1-1 in his first two fights in the UFC last year, making a successful UFC debut against Josh Parisian (decision) in February before dropping his second contest with Michael Parkin (decision) in July. He was signed following a decision win over Paulo Renato Jr. (12-3) on the 2022 edition of Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series - it wasn't the best of performances but it was the fact that he won despite taking the fight on very short notice that really impressed Dana White. It was his second appearance on the show having previously not been awarded a contract following another decision win over Marcos Brigagao (17-7) in 2019. 1-1 in LFA with a win over Tim Hiley (9-5) and a loss to Alex Polizzi (10-3). The other notable organisation he has fought for is Bellator, where he lost to Jordan Young (12-2) back in 2018. One other loss in his professional debut against Taylor Johnson (9-4). Also owns a good win over Kyle Noblitt (10-2). Has competed at LHW but is debuting in the UFC at HW. 5/10 wins by decision. Trains at Syndicate MMA.
I think Pogues is going to struggle to pick up many more wins at this level - Peterson's wrestling and the fact he's the more genuine HW of the two gives him the advantage here.
Prediction: Peterson by decision.
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Themba Gorimbo (1.40) vs. Pete Rodriguez (3.00)
Gorimbo is 1-1 in UFC, 11-4 overall. Last 5: W-L-W-L-W
Rodriguez is 1-1 in UFC, 5-1 overall. Last 5: W-W-W-L-W
Gorimbo (32) went 1-1 in his first year with the UFC, getting submitted by A.J. Fletcher in his debut before returning to defeat Takashi Sato (decision). He arrived at this level having been a standout on his regional South African MMA circuit, going 8-2 in top African promotion EFC and leaving as their reigning, defending WW Champion. After leaving that organisation he went 1-1 with a win over Julio Rodrigues (13-8) and a loss against Handesson Ferreira (19-5-1). Other good career wins over Lyle Karam (7-1), Mauricio de Rocha Jr. (11-6) and Joe Cummins (11-2) with the other losses coming against Dave Mazany (17-7-1) and Leon Mynhardt (15-11). 6/11 wins and 2/4 losses by submission.
Rodriguez (27) is staying at WW having been forced out of a scheduled LW contest with Natan Levy in May due to a botched weight cut. Both of his UFC fights took place at 170 lbs; he endured a tough UFC debut at the beginning of 2022, getting smashed on the feet by the now ranked WW Jack Della Maddalena (KO) before returning to walk through Mike Jackson (KO) in 93 seconds later in the year. Received the UFC call just 15 months after turning professional. All four of his fights on the regional scene took place in the iFF organisation and he finished all of them via KO inside half a round - albeit the quality of competition was extremely low. 7-2 as an amateur. Fights out of Dominate MMA in Arizona.
We still have very little to gauge Rodriguez on given his loss was to a very legit fighter and none of his wins are impressive. Gorimbo doesn't look UFC-level but has a decent regional career under his belt. Low confidence pick.
Prediction: Gorimbo by decision.
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Marquel Mederos (1.72) vs. Landon Quinones (2.10)
Mederos makes his UFC debut, 8-1 overall. Last 5: W-W-W-W-W
Quinones is 0-1 in UFC, 7-2-1 overall. Last 5: W-W-W-W-L
Mederos (27) graduates from last year's Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series where he knocked out Issa Isakov (12-4) in the first round. Almost all the rest of his professional MMA career took place in Fury FC (6-1). Notable career wins over Michael Murphy (8-6-1), Tracy Reader (7-2) and Darren Whitney (6-4) with the only setback coming against Santiago Guzman (7-4). 6/8 wins by KO. Trains at Factory X.
Quinones (27) will look to rebound from a loss to Nasrat Haqparast (decision) in his short notice debut at UFC 293. He was given that opportunity after taking part in TUF 31, where he lost to Jason Knight (submission) in the quarter-finals of the LW competition. In 2022 he won the vacant LW belt for strong North American regional promotion Titan FC, defeating Reynaldo Acevedo (11-4) before successfully defending once against Yemi Oduwole (9-3-1). All of his pro MMA career apart from his debut took place in the organisation, including his one other career setback against UFC veteran Muhammadjon Naimov (decision). 5/7 wins by KO.
I haven't seen enough of either to confidently gauge this one but my instinct has me leaning towards Mederos.
Prediction: Mederos by decision.
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