Middleweights
Kyle Daukaus (11-3, 2-3 UFC) vs. Eryk Anders (14-7, 6-7 UFC)This is certainly a clash of styles. If Daukaus was a better athlete, he would clearly be a middleweight contender without much issue, as his process is mostly rock-solid. Daukaus focuses his approach around constant pressure and offense, shifting through phases while attempting to make his opponents uncomfortable and hunting for a finish. Unfortunately, it also shows that Daukaus is a former heavyweight. He has a large frame for the division but is obviously one of the slower 185-pound competitors on the UFC roster, getting him in trouble against quicker standout athletes. Daukaus has also run up against a physical ceiling in terms of strength, particularly in a 2021 loss to Phil Hawes, though he did rebound in what would have been the biggest win of his career against Kevin Holland. Daukaus seemingly had the fight well in hand up until an accidental clash of heads ended the fight in a no contest. Daukaus kicked off 2022 well with a dominant win over a low-output fighter in Jamie Pickett and figured to pull off something similar against Roman Dolidze, only for that to be an outing where his athletic deficiencies suddenly raised their head. Dolidze quickly ended things with a knee in the clinch that broke Daukaus’ face. Given that, he makes a surprisingly quick turnaround against Anders, who offers much the same challenge as Daukaus’ last two opponents. Anders came to the UFC as a raw prospect in 2017 but already had a built-in fanbase, owing to his time as a linebacker at the University of Alabama during one of the Crimson Tide’s championship seasons. That notoriety essentially led Anders to become a victim of his own success. He was rushed into a main event spot against Lyoto Machida as the UFC scrambled for a headliner, then did not get much of a step back in competition now that he was established as a former marquee attraction. Now over five years deep into his UFC career, Anders has settled into a neutralizing style that shows just enough potential at times to remain interesting. He is still a powerful athlete who is difficult to control, and he has proven to have some impressive durability even while facing some hard hitters. Again, the issue is that Anders has seemingly decided to apply those talents to try and neutralize his opponents and keep things at a slow pace where he is at his most comfortable. It helps keeps Anders out of danger, but it has also cost him some unimpressive results against opponents he should have the talent to handily beat on paper. There are some worries for Daukaus. Durability is part of his own success, and such a quick turnaround from what looked to be a massive injury against Dolidze raises some red flags. Plus, Anders seems about due for one of the quick knockouts that helps keep people invested in his progress. Provided Daukaus’ durability holds up, the Philadelphian should be able to find enough wrestling and grappling success to make his whole process work and separate himself clearly in terms of striking volume. The pick is Daukaus via decision.
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Thompson vs. Holland
Dos Anjos vs. Barberena
Nicolau vs. Schnell
Pavlovich vs. Tuivasa
Hermansson vs. Dolidze
Daukaus vs. Anders
The Prelims