While the UFC 273 preliminary slate might not be as loaded as some of the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s numbered events, the eight bouts still generate plenty of interest. In the featured slot on Saturday in Jacksonville, Florida, top welterweight prospect Ian Garry looks to build on a successful debut against Darian Weeks in a showcase that provides some intrigue for one of the division’s brightest talents. Beyond that, ranked heavyweights Jairzinho Rozenstruik and Marcin Tybura aim for rebound victories, while Aspen Ladd attempts to reclaim some momentum at 135 pounds against Raquel Pennington. Deeper on the card is the usual assortment of rising competitors trying to make names for themselves, plus a heavyweight clash between Alexey Oleynik and Jared Vanderaa that should at least offer some sort of entertainment.
Welterweights
NR | Ian Garry (8-0, 1-0 UFC) vs. NR | Darian Weeks (5-1, 0-1 UFC)BETUS ODDS: Garry (-400), Weeks (+300)
Garry has one of the highest upsides of any prospect in the UFC, and it will be interesting to see where “The Future” goes from here. The Irishman is just a shade over three years removed from his professional debut and sports an impressively complete game given that fact. Garry can hold his own as either a submission artist or a knockout threat, and he is a solid athlete with an impressively large frame for the welterweight division. There are still some points of concern for Garry, however, some of which were on display in his Octagon debut against Jordan Williams in November. He can still be clipped on the feet—he was taken aback by Williams’ pressure before scoring a come-from-behind knockout—and there is some concern about how well his grappling will hold up in a wrestling-heavy division. Those are all issues that figure to be ironed out with experience, and the completed version of Garry figures to be a guaranteed title contender.
For now, Garry’s next challenge is Weeks, who had a solid debut in December, losing a decision to Bryan Barberena. If nothing else, Weeks fared well given a big step up in competition, though some of the concerns from his regional footage remained consistent. Weeks is athletic and well-rounded, but he does not do much in the way of controlling his fights and generally seems to have an aimless approach. Weeks should at least remain dangerous throughout this fight and might be too tough for Garry to finish, but if the Irishman is going to get space and time to operate comfortably, this seems like a bout that he can win without much issue, likely on the back of his wrestling and grappling. It may not be the standout performance that immediately rockets Garry up the ladder, but this is a strong next step for him to gain some experience. The pick is Garry via clear decision.
Continue Reading » Rozenstruik vs. Tybura
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