Amanda Lemos (2.10) vs. Virna Jandiroba (1.72)
Lemos is 8-3 in UFC, 14-3-1 overall. Last 5: L-W-W-L-W
Jandiroba is 6-3 in UFC, 20-3 overall. Last 5: W-L-W-W-W
Lemos (37) rebounded from her WSW title shot loss to Weili Zhang (decision) at UFC 292 with a win over Mackenzie Dern (decision) in March. That title shot was earned with finishes of Michelle Waterson (submission) and Marina Rodriguez (KO) in the second half of 2022 - a strong rebound following the disappointment of losing her first UFC main event against Jessica Andrade (submission) earlier that year. Ascended to the top of the division after stringing together five wins over two and a half years, although she was fortunate to emerge with the split decision over Angela Hill in the final of those. 11/14 wins inside the distance (8 KO); she demonstrated her power twice in dominant first round KO wins over Livinha Souza and Monserrat Ruiz in 2021. Just too big and strong for Mizuki Inoue (decision) in her only appearance of 2020 having picked up her first UFC win over Miranda Granger (submission) at the end of 2019. Debuted all the way back in July 2017, losing against the much bigger Leslie Smith (KO) at WBW (two whole weight classes above where she now competes) but a USADA suspension then kept her on the shelf for two years. Prior to her UFC debut she went undefeated on the regional Brazilian circuit after debuting in MMA in 2014, finishing all six wins. Has a good regional win (as well as a draw) over Mayra Cantuaria (10-5-2). 3-0-1 in one of the big Brazilian promotions, Jungle Fight. Trains at Marajo Brothers Team with Iuri Alcantara.
Jandiroba (36) has earned her first UFC main event having strung together three wins in a row, the most recent of which came over Lupita Godinez (decision) in March. Her activity hasn't been the best, only fighting once in each of 2022 and 2023; she beat Angela Hill (decision) in the former and Marina Rodrigiez (decison) in the matter. Has struggled when she has come up against top ten ranked opposition, suffering setbacks against Amanda Ribas (decision) and Mackenzie Dern (decision) going back to 2020. Her first three UFC wins were all by finish - she started 2021 brightly with a doctor stoppage win over Kanako Murata and her other two UFC wins were impressive submissions of Felice Herrig and Mallory Martin. Suffered her first career loss in her 2019 short notice UFC debut against former WSW Champion Carla Esparza (decision). 3-0 in Invicta FC (winning their WSW Championship), picking up wins over UFC veteran Mizuki Inoue (decision), Amy Montenegro (8-4) and Janaisa Morandin (10-5). Also owns wins over UFC veterans Ericka Almeida (decision) and Lisa Ellis (submission). 13/20 wins by submission. Trains at Fight House.
Clear striker versus grappler match-up; Jandiroba's offensive wrestling isn't the best and I can see her really not liking the power coming back her way.
Prediction: Lemos by KO in round 1.
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Doo Ho Choi (2.40) vs. Bill Algeo (1.58)
Choi is 3-3-1 in UFC, 14-4-1 overall. Last 5: W-L-L-L-D
Algeo is 5-4 in UFC, 18-8 overall. Last 5: W-L-W-W-L
Choi (33) is treating fighting as a part-time endeavour - we last saw him draw with Kyle Nelson at the beginning of last year, which was his first fight in more than three years since a loss to Charles Jourdain (KO) on the South Korean show at the end of 2019. The draw snapped a three fight losing streak having previously lost a main event against Jeremy Stephens (KO) and a Fight of the Year contender against Cub Swanson (decision). Had a decent amount of hype after winning each of his first three UFC fights by first round KO against Juan Manuel Puig (18 seconds), Sam Sicilia (93 seconds) and Thiago Tavares (162 seconds). Graduated from the Japanese regional scene, where his best win came over PRIDE veteran Mitsuhiro Ishida (20-8-1). Good boxer with an excellent KO rate for a FW (11/14); a very accurate striker who remains calm in the pocket. The Swanson and Stephens fights showed that his defence is lacking, he is way too willing to take one to land one of his own. Trains at one of the top South Korean MMA camps, Team Busan MAD.
Algeo (35) suffered the first KO loss of his career against Kyle Nelson in March. In 2023 he built a bit of momentum with wins over T.J. Brown (submission) and Alexander Hernandez (decision). Very close to having the perfect 2022 but ended up on the wrong side of a split decision in a very competitive fight with Andre Fili in September - earlier in the year he had picked up wins over Joanderson Brito (decision) and Herbert Burns (KO) - the former looks very impressive in retrospect. Demonstrated he can compete at this level in his first three UFC fights despite only winning one of them with those two losses respectable performances against established UFC veterans in Ricardo Ramos (decision) and Ricardo Lamas (decision). In between those setbacks he picked up his first UFC win at the end of 2020, beating Spike Carlyle by unanimous decision. A product of the East coast U.S regional scene with spells in CFFC (7-1) and Ring of Combat (4-0). Had an opportunity on the third season of Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series but came up short against UFC veteran Brendan Loughnane (decision). Earlier losses on the regionals against UFC veterans Jared Gordon (decision) and Shane Burgos (submission). Notable regional wins against Jeff Lentz (11-7-1), Scott Heckman (28-9), James Gonzalez (11-7) and John de Jesus (17-12). Tall FW at 6'0. 11/18 wins inside the distance (7 SUB).
I think Algeo is a bad match-up for Choi, I expect Choi to be competitive in the early going but to slowly drown in Algeo's pace in the second half of the fight.
Prediction: Algeo by KO in round 3.
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Steve Garcia (1.66) vs. Seung Woo Choi (2.25)
Garcia is 4-2 in UFC, 15-5 overall. Last 5: W-L-W-W-W
Choi is 4-5 in UFC, 11-6 overall. Last 5: W-L-L-L-W
Garcia (32) is on a streak of three KO wins in a row with the latest coming over Melquizael Costa in December. Earlier last year he knocked out Nuerdanbieke Shayilan having begun the streak against Chase Hooper in the final quarter of 2022. Suffered his own KO loss against Maheshate Hayisaer in 74 seconds at UFC 275. One other win at this level was over Charlie Ontiveros (KO), which came 18 months after his short notice debut loss against Luiz Pena (decision). Appeared on the 2019 edition of Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series, finishing Desmond Torres (7-3) inside the first round but overlooked for a contract due to missing the BW weight limit - funnily enough when he did make it to the UFC he was competing two weight classes higher at LW (although he is now down at FW). Previously went 5-2 in a seven-fight stint with Bellator, picking up good wins over UFC veteran Ronnie Lawrence (decision), Shawn Bunch (11-6) and Kin Moy (12-4) but falling short against TUF 29 winner Ricky Turcios (decision) and their former BW Champion Joe Warren (decision). 1-0 for LFA where he picked up a good win over UFC's Jose Mariscal (KO). One other pro loss to another UFC veteran in Aalon Cruz (submission). 12/15 wins by KO. Long build for someone fighting in the lower weight classes (6'0). Fights out of the Jackson-Wink MMA.
Choi (31) got the win he needed against Jarno Errens (decision) having dropped three straight Mike Trizano (KO), Joshua Culibao (decision) and Alex Caceres (submission). Prior to this he had his own three-fight win streak that featured wins over Julian Erosa (KO), Youssef Zalal (decision) and Suman Mokhtarian (decision). Endured a tough start to his UFC career, picking up losses against top FW prospect Russian Mosvar Evloev (decision) and Gavin Tucker (submission). Signed for the UFC having gained experience in top Korean organisation TFC (5-1) and other prominent Asian promotions Art of War (1-0) and Kunlun FC (1-0). Notable career wins against UFC veteran Rocky Lee (decision), Jae Woong Kim (13-8) - avenging an earlier loss, Young Bok Kil (8-2-2) and Min Gu Lee (6-6-2). Huge frame (5'11) for the FW division, will have a size advantage in most match-ups. 6/11 wins by KO.
This looks like a lot of fun on paper, two guys with power who aren't afraid to step into the pocket and throw. Choi has a tendency to start strong but if he can't maintain it he usually gets finished himself.
Prediction: Garcia by KO in round 2.
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Kurt Holobaugh (2.10) vs. Kaynan Kruschewsky (1.72)
Holobaugh is 1-5 in UFC, 20-8-1 overall. Last 5: L-W-W-W-L
Kruschewsky is 0-1 in UFC, 15-2-1 overall. Last 5: W-W-W-W-L
Holobaugh (37) will look to rebound from defeat to Trey Ogden (decision) in March. He finally picked up his first UFC win at the fifth time of asking when he beat Austin Hubbard (submission) to win the TUF 31 LW competition at UFC 292 - he made it to the final with finish victories over Lee Hammond (submission) and Jason Knight (KO). 0-3 in his second UFC spell, coming up short against strong competition in Raoni Barcelos (KO), Shane Burgos (submission) and Thiago Moises (decision). That second UFC spell came after he main evented the very first Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series event, finishing Matt Bessette with strikes to earn a contract. Made one appearance in the UFC back in 2013, losing a fairly controversial decision to Steven Siler after coming across in the Strikeforce merger. In between UFC runs he had a good spell with Titan FC (6-1) picking up wins over Gesias Cavalcante (KO), Desmond Green (decision) and Yosdenis Cedeno (submission) and the only loss a decision to regional standout Andre Harrison (22-3-1). Other career losses to Pat Healy (decision) and Bellator veteran Magomedrasul Khusbalaev (34-8). 17/20 wins inside the distance (7 KO, 10 SUB). Trains at Gracie United.
Kruschewsky (33) made his UFC debut on short notice in November but was on the receiving end of a first round KO from Elves Brener. The Brazilian had earned himself a UFC contract two months earlier when he submitted Dylan Mantello (8-3) in the first round on Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series. Experienced on the Brazilian regional scene, most recently fighting for Jungle Fight which he left as LW Champion after wins over Gabriel Gregorio (8-4), Vitor Morais (8-5), John David (10-6-1) and Thierry Lucas (5-2). Owns a win over UFC veteran Adriano Martins (decision), one other career loss against Aleksi Mantykivi (14-9). 13/15 wins inside the distance (9 SUB). Fights out of Ricardo Pereira Academy.
Holobaugh is at the tail end of his career and the jury is still out on whether Kruschewsky is good enough for this level. Difficult to call.
Prediction: Kruschewsky by decision.
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Dione Barbosa (2.80) vs. Miranda Maverick (1.45)
Barbosa is 1-0 in UFC, 7-2 overall. Last 5: L-W-W-W-W
Maverick is 6-3 in UFC, 13-5 overall. Last 5: W-W-L-W-W
Barbosa (32) benefitted from home-town judging when beating Ernesta Kareckaite (decision) in his debut at UFC 301. She was awarded with her UFC contract after submitting Rainn Guerrero (6-2) with a first round armbar on last year's Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series. Prior to that she went 2-1 in a spell with LFA, losing to Jena Bishop (7-1) before rebounding with wins over Mariana Piccolo (3-2) and Jessica Middleton (5-7). One other career loss to UFC WBW Josiane Nunes (KO), owns an excellent win over current UFC WFLW Karine Silva (decision). 3/7 wins by submission. Trains at Kings MMA.
Maverick (26) has started building another win streak with successes over Priscila Cachoeira (submission) and Andrea Lee (decision) over the last 12 months, putting a disappointing performance against Jasmine Jasudavicius (decision) at UFC 289 behind her. 2-0 in 2022 with dominant performances against Sabina Mazo (submission) and Shanna Young (decision). Other UFC setbacks back-to-back against Erin Blanchfield (decision) and Maycee Barber (decision) in 2021, although the latter was widely seen as a robbery. Got her UFC career off to a good start with wins over Gillian Robertson (decision) and Liana Jojua (KO). Fought almost her entire regional career in Invicta FC, going 6-2 with the highlight winning a Phoenix Series one night tournament by beating UFC veterans in Young (submission) and Victoria Leonardo (decision). Other notable wins over UFC veterans Peal Gonzalez (decision) and DeAnna Bennett (submission, avenging an earlier decision loss). One other career loss against TUF 30 runner-up Brogan Walker-Sanchez (decision). Strong grappler with 7/13 wins by submission. Trains at Elevation Fight Team.
This could end up looking quite one-sided, I expect Maverick to spend long periods in top control and the main question is whether she can achieve a finish.
Prediction: Maverick by decision.
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Cody Durden (1.90) vs. Bruno Silva (1.90)
Durden is 5-3-1 in UFC, 16-5-1 overall. Last 5: W-W-W-W-L
Silva is 3-2-1 in UFC, 13-5-3 overall. Last 5: L-L-W-W-W
Durden (33) had a four fight win streak snapped by Tagir Ulanbekov (submission) at UFC 296 having picked up wins earlier in 2023 over Charles Johnson (decision) and Jake Hadley (decision). The streak started with a fast KO win over J.P. Buys halfway through 2022 and also includes a unanimous decision win over Carlos Mota. His job security looked a little under threat when he was finished inside a minute by Muhammad Mokaev (submission) with a win over Qileng Aori (decision) his only success in his first four trips to the Octagon. Earned a draw with Chris Gutierrez in his debut - a result that has aged very well - but then went on to be submitted by Jimmy Flick with a first round flying triangle. Paid his dues on the regional scene, mainly fighting for Georgia promotion NFC (6-1). Solid wins on his record over Varon Webb (10-4), Dre Miley (10-7) and John Sweeney (13-3). Other pro losses against Jared Scoggins (10-3) and Ryan Hollis (14-13). 11/15 wins inside the distance (6 KO, 5 SUB), 4/5 losses by submission. 5-3 at FLW after making his short notice debut at BW. Trains at an American Top Team affiliate gym in Atlanta.
Silva (34) has only fought once in the last three years - a second round submission win over Tyson Nam in the first quarter of last year. He's now on a three fight win streak having turned his UFC career around in 2021 with KO finishes of Victor Rodriguez and J.P. Buys. Lost both fights in 2020 against Tagir Ulanbekov (decision) and David Dvorak (decision). Also lost his debut at UFC 243 - submitted by a third round arm triangle from Khalid Taha - but the result was later overturned due to a failed drug test. His regional career included spells with WFF (3-0), LFA (0-0-1) and Aspera FC (0-1). Lacking any real standout wins on his record prior to arriving in the UFC with the best of the bunch coming over regional journeymen such as Ralph Acosta (17-14), Joe Madrid (6-5) and Atila Oliveira (9-6). The most eye-catching result on his regional record is a draw with Casey Kenney, who went on to be a ranked BW in the UFC. 9/13 wins inside the distance (5 KO, 4 SUB). Trains at Pitbull Brothers gym.
This looks very competitive on paper but I give the edge to Durden due to the fact he's been way more active than Silva.
Prediction: Durden by decision.
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Brian Kelleher (2.75) vs. Cody Gibson (1.47)
Kelleher is 8-8 in UFC, 24-15 overall. Last 5: W-W-L-L-L
Gibson is 1-5 in UFC, 19-10 overall. Last 5: W-L-W-L-L
Kelleher (37) is on a three fight losing streak but it has come against some very good competition in Cody Garbrant (KO), Mario Bautista (submission) and Umar Nurmagomedov (submission). UFC wins since 2020 over Kevin Croom (decision), Domingo Pilarte (decision), Ray Rodriguez (submission), Hunter Azure (KO) and Ode Osbourne (submission). Has generally lost when stepping up in competition with other losses against Ricky Simon (decision), Cody Stamann (decision), John Lineker (KO), Montel Jackson (submission) and Marlon Vera (submission). Made a big first impression as an underdog in his UFC debut, submitting Iuri Alcantara with a guillotine in less than two minutes and has other UFC wins over Damian Stasiak (decison) and former BW Champion Renan Barao (decision). Extensive experience on the U.S regional circuit including stints in Ring of Combat (4-0), CFFC (4-4), Bellator (0-2) and CES MMA (1-0). Notable career wins over UFC veterans Julio Arce x2 (decision, submission) and Andre Soukhamthath (decision). 18/24 wins inside the distance (8 KO, 10 SUB), owns a dangerous guillotine (owns three UFC guillotine submissions) but also has submission defence issues (8/15 losses). Fights out of Long Island MMA.
Gibson (36) is struggling for success in his second UFC stint - he came up short in the TUF 31 BW final against Brad Katona (decision) at UFC 292 and is coming off a loss earlier this year against Miles Johns (decision). The former was his return to the UFC eight and half years after his last fight at this level, which was a unanimous decision loss to Douglas de Andrade. Made it to the final of TUF 31 with first round finishes of Mando Gutierrez (KO) and Rico DiSciullo (submission). His lone UFC success remains a 38-second KO of Johnny Bedford with other losses in his first spell against former BW Champion Aljamain Sterling (decision) and Manny Gamburyan (submission). After leaving the UFC he went 7-2 with the pick of those wins over former UFC veterans John Dodson (decision) and Francisco Rivera (submission) and the losses to another UFC veteran Ray Borg (decision) and Adrian Diaz (11-7-1). 8/19 wins by decision. Tall, rangy BW (5'10). Coached by John Hackleman.
Difficult to have faith in either guy and it might be a cagey affair with both likely fighting for their UFC lives. Toss a coin.
Prediction: Gibson by decision.
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Loik Radzhabov (1.80) vs. Trey Ogden (2.00)
Radzhabov is 2-1 in UFC, 18-5-1 overall. Last 5: L-W-W-L-W
Ogden is 2-2-1 in UFC, 17-6-1 overall. Last 5: L-W-L-NC-W
Radzhabov (33) finished Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady with strikes in the third round in March. He came through a tough test from Esteban Ribovics (decision) in his short notice debut at UFC 285 but was comprehensively beaten by Mateusz Rebecki (KO) three months later - the first finish loss of his MMA career. Best known for his involvement in two seasons of PFL, where he went 4-4-1 with wins over UFC veteran Chris Wade (decision), Alex Martinez (10-5-1), Akhmed Aliev (21-8-1) and Ylies Dijroun (22-8). Losing finalist in both years against Natan Schulte (25-5-1) in 2019 and Raush Manfio (17-6) in 2021, other losses against UFC veteran Rashid Magomedov (decision) and Martinez. Notable wins earlier in his career over Sado Ucar (19-6), Damir Mihajlovic (18-8) and Burak Kizilirmak (10-2). 13/18 wins inside the distance (8 KO, 5 SUB). Well-rounded.
Ogden (34) will look to build on a win over Kurt Holobaugh (decision) in March. He was extremely fortunate to escape with a no contest when the referee prematurely stopped the November contest with Nikolas Motta as he thought Ogden was unconscious. Earlier in 2023 he looked very lacklustre in a losing effort against Ignacio Bahamondes (decision) at UFC 287. Picked up his other UFC win over Daniel Zellhuber (decision) - a win that looks excellent in hindsight with Zellhuber winning his next three. Lost his UFC debut against Jordan Leavitt (decision) in April 2022. Caught the UFC's eye with a second round submission of J.J. Okanovich (8-3) while fighting for Fury FC in front of Dana White. Experienced on the North American regional scene having competed for Bellator (1-0), LFA (3-1) and Titan FC (0-1). Owns a win over UFC veteran T.J. Brown (submission) plus other notable wins over Anthony Baccam (12-7), Lucas Clay (10-3), Travis Perzynski (22-10) and Manuel Meraz (13-5). Two of his losses came against UFC veteran Thomas Gifford, twice getting caught in a guillotine in the opening minutes of the fight. Other pro losses against Nick Browne (14-3) and Ryan Walker (7-5). 11/17 wins and 3/6 losses by submission. Trains at Glory MMA & Fitness.
Ogden has flattered to deceive in all of his UFC fights, I think Radzhabov will be the one doing the more eye-catching and damaging things in this fight.
Prediction: Radzhabov by decision.
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Luana Carolina (1.90) vs. Lucie Pudilova (1.90)
Carolina is 5-3 in UFC, 10-4 overall. Last 5: W-L-L-W-W
Pudilova is 3-7 in UFC, 14-9 overall. Last 5: W-W-W-L-L
Carolina (31) finished Julija Stoliarenko (KO) with eight seconds remaining in February - her second win in a row having also beaten Ivana Petrovic (decision) halfway through last year. She was probably a little unfortunate to come out on the wrong side of a split decision against Joanne Wood at UFC 286. On the receiving end of arguably the greatest UFC WMMA KO of all-time from a Molly McCann spinning back elbow towards the beginning of 2022. 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. 6/10 wins by decision.
Pudilova (30) is 1-2 since returning to the UFC; last year she was the victim of a terrible judges decision against Joselyne Edwards before a more deserving decision loss to Ailin Perez. Triumphant in her first fight back against Yanan Wu (KO) at UFC 278. Went 5-1 in Oktagon MMA in her native Czech Republic after being released following a loss to Justine Kish (decision) at the start of 2020. The release was understandable given that was her fourth loss in a row with other setbacks against Antonina Shevchenko (submission), Liz Carmouche (decision) and Irene Aldana (decision). Other UFC wins over Sarah Moras (decision) and Ji Yeon Kim (decision) after being unlucky to lose her UFC debut against Lina Lansberg (decision). Other losses on the regional scene against Lansberg (decision) and UFC veteran Talita Bernardo (decision). Owns regional wins over UFC veterans Melinda Fabian (decision) and Julija Stoliarenko (KO). Good size for the WBW division (5'8). 9/14 wins and 8/9 losses by decision.
Pudilova is tough and gritty but is continually facing better athletes at this level that makes it difficult to pick up wins.
Prediction: Carolina by decision.
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Mohammed Usman (1.72) vs. Thomas Petersen (2.10)
Usman is 3-1 in UFC, 10-3 overall. Last 5: L-W-W-W-L
Petersen is 0-1 in UFC, 8-2 overall. Last 5: L-W-W-W-L
Usman (35) suffered his first UFC setback against Mick Parkin (decision) in March. Last year he extended the successful start he made to his UFC career with wins over Junior Tafa (decision) and Jake Collier (decision) in September. Won the TUF 30 HW competition in the second half of 2022 when he knocked out Zac Pauga as an underdog. Boasts a familiar family name as the brother of the former longstanding UFC WW Champion Kamaru Usman. His route to the TUF final consisted of wins over Mitchell Sipe (decision) and Eduardo Perez (decision). Prior to the show he was unsuccessful in a lone appearance for PFL, losing to Brandon Sayles (6-2) as a big favourite. 4-0 fighting for Titan FC with the most notable win coming over Alexis Garcia (6-2). One other professional loss against UFC HW Don'Tale Mayes (decision). Wrestling background. Trains at Fortis MMA.
Petersen (29) will look to rebound from a debut loss to Jamal Pogues (decision) in February. He 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 (6-6) the best of a bad bunch. Has finished all eight wins (7 KO). Wrestling background. Trains at Spartan MMA.
Can't see Petersen being able to win many fights at this level, he's too one-dimensional and his UFC debut showed that dimension isn't even particularly good.
Prediction: Usman by decision.
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Hyder Amil (2.62) vs. Jeong Yeong Lee (1.53)
Amil is 1-0 in UFC, 9-0 overall. Last 5: W-W-W-W-W
Lee is 2-0 in UFC, 11-1 overall. Last 5: W-W-W-W-W
Amil (34) make a successful start to his UFC career when he finished Fernie Garcia (KO) in the second round in February. He earned his UFC chance after beating Emrah Sonmez (14-5) on last year's Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series. Undefeated in his professional career; he had an impressive spell for LFA, going 3-0 with wins over Chase Gibson (13-7), Devante Sewell (12-9) and Robson Junior (5-2). Also 3-0 in an earlier spell with Bellator including a decent win over Paradise Vaovasa (7-4-1). 5/9 wins by KO.
Lee (28) started 2024 well with a win over Blake Bilder (decision) in February. He won the FW Road to the UFC competition when he beat Zha Yi by split decision at the beginning of last year. He needed just a combined 78 seconds to blast through Bin Xie (12-4) and Kai Lu (9-7-1) 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. 7/11 wins inside the distance (4 KO, 3 SUB).
Lee looks like the next South Korean to make waves at this level. This could be a tough stylistic striking contest for him but Amil has arrived at this level a little bit too late and is likely starting to exit his physical peak.
Prediction: Lee by decision.
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