Preview: UFC Fight Night 177 ‘Waterson vs. Hill’ Prelims

Lightweights

Roosevelt Roberts (10-2) vs. Matt Frevola (8-1-1)

ODDS: Roberts (-115), Frevola (-105)

This should serve as an interesting test for two top lightweight prospects. Roberts has certainly been the more prominently featured of the two to date, as he has done well with an interesting and usual style. Owing to his long, noodly frame, Roberts is capable of fighting both at range and in close quarters, combining a solid distance striking game with an aggressive clinch that has some tricky submissions. That has allowed him to dominate against the lower reaches of the UFC roster, but Roberts does not seem to have put much thought into what happens when opponents can match him physically. Thomas Gifford’s size alone managed to slow down Roberts, and he was neutralized by Vinc Pichel and tapped out by Jim Miller in his two losses. Roberts looks to rebound from the Miller loss against Frevola in a fight both men have wanted since it was scrapped due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Frevola’s style is marked by constant aggression, and while that got him shockingly sparked by Marco Polo Reyes in his UFC debut, it has not done much to slow down the “Steamrolla.” Frevola’s lack of regard for defense has gotten him clipped every time out, but the Long Islander just keeps marching through damage, whether it is to throw power punches or get his takedown game going. If Frevola was not so pathologically aggressive, this would be an easy call for Roberts. He should be able to hit Frevola repeatedly at will as the 30-year-old tries to close the distance. However, as long as Frevola does not get finished—that seems likely since Roberts is not much of a knockout artist—he should be able to get inside and overpower “The Predator” with his wrestling. It will be far from an easy win, but the pick is Frevola by decision.

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