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Preview: UFC 278 Prelims

Fletcher vs. Loosa


Welterweights

A.J. Fletcher (9-1, 0-1 UFC) vs. Ange Loosa (8-3, 0-1 UFC)

ODDS: Fletcher (-150), Loosa (+130)

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Two welterweights look for their first UFC win in their sophomore efforts in what should be a fun fight. The latest in a long line of exciting Louisiana prospects, Fletcher started off the 2021 edition of Dana White’s Contender Series with a bang, uncorking a flying knee knockout in the first fight of the first show of the season. A fireplug of a fighter, “The Ghost” backs up knockout power with a surprisingly effective wrestling game given his lack of a wrestling background, though he was mostly unproven in deeper waters upon his UFC debut in March. While Fletcher lost that promotional debut to Matthew Semelsberger via decision, it was nice to see him go relatively even with another physically talented prospect for three hard rounds in a fight that did not dull much of his upside. Fletcher looks to rebound against Switzerland’s Loosa, another 2021 graduate of the Contender Series. Loosa lost his fight on DWCS to Jack Della Maddalena, but things worked out for “The Last Ninja” in the end. That result continues to age well with Maddalena’s subsequent success, and Loosa won his next bout to set himself up for a late-notice call-up in April. Everything Loosa does is sound and he is a powerful athlete, but the main issue is that he is an overly patient fighter without much of a second gear. In his debut loss to Mounir Lazzez, in particular, Loosa just never turned things up as a striker or a wrestler, and he was mostly outstruck from range. It would not be a shock if Loosa turned out to be the stronger wrestler and got a decision win as a result, but Fletcher should wind up taking the initiative the entire fight and has enough power behind him to cause some damage. In a well-matched bout, the pick is Fletcher via decision.



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Fletcher vs. Loosa
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