Middleweights
Wellington Turman (16-3) vs. Andrew Sanchez (11-5)ODDS: Turman (-155), Sanchez (+135)
When Sanchez won his season of “The Ultimate Fighter” in 2016, he looked like the type of prospect who could rise quickly through the ranks. After all, he had beaten Phil Hawes and Khalil Rountree—regarded as two of the top prospects in the sport at the time—during the course of the season, and those figured to be tougher wins than some of Sanchez’s opponents inside of the Octagon. However, in short order, it became apparent that Sanchez’s gas tank was an extreme liability. Losing via third-round comeback to Anthony Smith was understandable, particularly in retrospect, but a subsequent late-round stoppage at the hands of Ryan Janes showed just how damning the issue had become. Even after a move to the Tristar Gym, Sanchez has looked sharp at times but still can easily get lured into tiring himself out; a loss in October to Marvin Vettori marks the point where younger prospects are starting to rise past him on the middleweight ladder. In the short term, Turman at least looks to provide a soft landing for Sanchez in terms of an opponent. Turman is still young, so there is a chance the Brazilian can round out his game, but for now, he is mostly a power takedown artist who is at his best trying to control a fight. If Turman provided any danger of a finish, there would be a shot for him to earn yet another comeback win at Sanchez’s expense, but even if “El Dirte” tires out, he should have this fight well in hand by the time he does. The pick is Sanchez via decision.
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