Preview: UFC Fight Night 189 Prelims

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Featherweights

NR | Makwan Amirkhani (16-5, 6-3 UFC) vs. NR | Kamuela Kirk (11-4, 0-0 UFC)

ODDS: Amirkhani (-275), Kirk (+215)

Amirkhani’s UFC debut was one of those fun bits of false advertising that happens from time to time. “Mr. Finland” is at his best as a wrestler and grappler, but he began his Octagon career with an eight-second flying knee knockout of Andy Ogle. Between that performance getting Amirkhani some notice and his combination of talent and natural charisma, he had some potential as a future star for the promotion. While he has rounded into a solid fighter, it is hard to say he has evolved much over the last few years. It became clear within a few fights that Amirkhani had trouble going three hard rounds with his wrestling, and attempts to shore up his boxing have not gone particularly well, as he still is not a comfortable striker on the feet. Still, his wrestling and submission skills are savvy enough to easily dispatch competition below a certain level, and he did at least pace himself against Edson Barboza, even if doing so left Amirkhani on the fringes of actual offensive effectiveness.

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Amirkhani looks to rebound here against a late replacement and UFC newcomer in Kirk, who lost to Billy Quarantillo on the 2019 edition of Dana White’s Contender Series but has since rebounded with two straight wins. Kirk is an interesting fighter, willing to mix a long and powerful striking game with some solid clinch work, though there is some worry about how he fares against opponents who can match him in reach or physical strength. There is an odd dynamic here between Amirkhani’s past of burning himself out and Kirk doing much the same against Quarantillo, so whoever takes the initial lead might find himself exhausted by the third round if he cannot find a finish. Given Amirkhani’s most recent appearance, there is a chance he can replicate the Quarantillo game plan here and essentially soak up damage until he can turn things around. Plus, he does figure to be the stronger wrestler. The pick is Amirkhani via third-round submission.

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