Preview: UFC Fight Night 242 ‘Burns vs. Brady’

Bantamweights

#11 FLW | Matt Schnell (16-8, 6-6 UFC) vs. #15 FLW | Cody Durden (16-6-1, 5-4-1 UFC)

ODDS: N/A

A late-notice save makes for an intriguing bantamweight bout between full-time flyweights. Schnell’s UFC career has been full of ups and downs but typically provided excitement at every point along the way—even if it hasn’t always been to his benefit. When “Danger” first got signed by the UFC in 2016, he seemingly had all the offensive skills to quickly run up the divisional ladder, but it soon became apparent that his chin was a liability and that his aggressive style just ran him into getting finished. Schnell retooled in impressive fashion, leveraging his long frame into a more patient and effective striking game while also still offering his excellent grappling as a switch-up. After finding his footing and winding up back in some big spots, a lot of Schnell’s previous issues have returned. Schnell can still stay patient and mindful in fits and starts, but he’s a wildman at heart that opponents have been able to lure into a brawl. That has resulted in Schnell losing three of his last four bouts, though that lone win during that stretch over Su Mudaerji was in one of the best fights of 2022. Even with Schnell’s struggles, it’s worth noting that all of his recent losses have come to fighters near or at the championship level, so this pairing against Durden—who steps in on a few days’ notice—could wind up as the step back that he needs.

A late-notice signing in 2020, Durden has generally done well to adjust to the UFC level after beating a weak level of competition on the regional scene. Primarily a wrestler, Durden has developed a solid striking game and consistently kept up his level of aggression. With Durden’s cardio and dedication to pace, he has yet to lose a fight in the UFC that has made it three rounds, though getting there can be a problem. Durden’s lack of defensive awareness has resulted in him suffering some sudden finishes, particularly when he attempts to take aggressive submission artists to the mat. That seems like a clear liability here given Schnell’s craftiness on the mat. It wouldn’t be a shock to see Schnell land a triangle choke that ranks among his best tricks. The pick is Schnell via first-round submission.

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Burns vs. Brady
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Schnell vs. Durden
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The Prelims