Heavyweights
Junior Tafa (4-1, 0-1 UFC) vs. Parker Porter (13-8, 4-3 UFC)Porter’s UFC run has been a pleasant surprise. A pro since 2007, Porter figured to be past his window for a UFC callup when the promotion signed him in 2020, and a quick knockout loss to Chris Daukaus figured to typify the problems he would have at the UFC level. The Connecticut native has a pressuring approach that is well put together, but he constantly faces an uphill battle in terms of size and athleticism, compounded by Porter not being the most durable heavyweight around. However, Porter has plugged along and put together a winning record in seven trips to the Octagon, even if it has also come with a clear ceiling. Porter keeps outworking opponents in danger of falling off the roster, but he also tends to get obliterated by standout athletes with contender potential. Justin Tafa knocked out the former Reality Fighting champion to start 2023, and after a rebound win, Porter now faces his brother six months later.
The younger Tafa made his UFC debut earlier this year and was not particularly proven in mixed martial arts after transitioning over from kickboxing, mostly running over opponents in some wild fights. That first Octagon assignment was a bit of a rude awakening, with Tafa getting outwrestled by Mohammed Usman in an uninspiring affair. Tafa is leaner and quicker than his brother, which makes for an interesting dynamic shift from Porter’s fight in February. There is still a decent chance that Porter runs right into a knockout, but he could also find more success turning things into a grind if he survives Tafa’s opening salvos. This is a coinflip, but the lean is that Porter can thread the needle and outlast Tafa for an ugly win. The pick is Porter via decision.
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Holloway vs. Jung
Spann vs. Smith
Chikadze vs. Caceres
Nakamura vs. Garcia
Blanchfield vs. Santos
Tafa vs. Porter
The Prelims