Lightweights
Jalin Turner (8-4) vs. Matt Frevola (6-1-1): These fighters have already gone through what is seemingly the life cycle for every UFC prospect nowadays: They each got thrown to the wolves and were blown out in their debuts before rebounding with wins. Now, they get smashed against each other. Turner is a raw striker, but being a 6-foot-3 lightweight has cut him some slack, which made it an odd choice when the UFC decided to sign him for a late-notice fight against Vicente Luque at 170 pounds. After a quick loss there, Turner rebounded by smashing Australian journeyman Callan Potter. Next up, he takes on Frevola. The Long Islander’s aggressive style got him quickly finished by Marco Polo Reyes in his own debut, but after putting on an excellent war in a draw against Lando Vannata in November, Frevola might be able to make a name for himself as an action fighter. Frevola has his paths to victory -- like fellow beanpole James Vick, Turner seems to lose his composure a bit against pressure, and Frevola might be able to rely on an underrated wrestling game -- but his aggression and complete lack of defense will probably just get him finished here. The pick is Turner via first-round knockout. ODDS: Turner (-120), Frevola (+100)Advertisement
Flyweights
Wilson Reis (23-9) vs. Alexandre Pantoja (20-3): This is an interesting fight between veteran flyweights, which nowadays usually doubles as an audition to see who gets to move up to 135 pounds and who gets a pink slip. Reis has been a solid veteran for most of the UFC flyweight division’s existence, but a recent three-fight losing streak showed his ceiling. Either every part of his game is working or nothing gets rolling, and his ability to implement wrestling seems to be a bellwether for which one it will be. He takes on Brazilian countryman Pantoja, who was the top seed on the all-flyweight season of “The Ultimate Fighter” in 2016. Pantoja has some solid striking and the ability to hunt for submissions, but both his losses on the reality show and his lone UFC loss to Dustin Ortiz have shown that Pantoja can be ineffective when an opponent manages to put him on his back. Reis’ strength lines up directly with Pantoja’s weakness, so even if this is a close fight in terms of overall talent, the pick is Reis via decision. ODDS: Pantoja (-150), Reis (+130)Welterweights
Max Griffin (14-6) vs. Zelim Imadaev (8-0): Griffin has settled into a nice groove in the UFC’s welterweight division, as he is better than his 2-4 record indicates. The promotion has been able to rely on him to put on a fun fight every time out, and the California native has slowly managed to work out the kinks in his striking-based style. After suffering a controversial decision loss to Thiago Alves in February, Griffin has a fairly quick turnaround here against Imadaev. The Russian newcomer has the type of record the UFC likes -- undefeated and all knockouts -- but his power comes at the tradeoff of being a bit plodding. Griffin has shown an ability to frustrate opponents who wish to chase him, with the Mike Perry fight being a prime example. Given that “Max Pain” has proven to be quite durable, Imadaev probably cannot score the quick knockout. The pick is Griffin via decision. ODDS: Griffin (-115), Imadaev (-105)Bantamweights
Boston Salmon (6-1) vs. Khalid Taha (12-2): Finally, the last Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series contract winner from 2017 makes his debut, as injuries have kept Hawaii’s Salmon from making his first walk to the Octagon for nearly two years. Salmon is a solid striker with the requisite Hawaiian willingness to scrap. Thankfully, Taha will make for a fun dance partner. It will be good to see Germany’s Taha back at bantamweight. Over the course of his career, his defensive wrestling has been an issue, and his UFC debut against Nad Narimani showed how easy it was for an undersized Taha to get overwhelmed at 145 pounds. Both men should get the fight they want, and it is a close call between Salmon’s length and reach and Taha’s speed and power. Taha seems capable of darting in and out and picking apart Salmon as needed. The pick is Taha via decision, even if the hope is just that this serves as a breakout performance for both men. ODDS: Salmon (-125), Taha (+105)Last Fights » ESPN+ Prelims
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