Middleweights
NR | Markus Perez (12-2) vs. NR | Wellington Turman (15-3)ODDS: Perez (-130), Turman (+110)
Perez is a fascinating fighter, if only because he is somehow more than the sum of his parts. He is a solid enough athlete but does not throw much in terms of volume on the feet and does not have the wrestling to take advantage of his submission grappling, which is the best part of his game. Add in a suspect gas tank, and “Maluko” does not seem like someone who would have made it this far. Yet, he has still managed to put together a strong pre-UFC resume and win two fights inside the Octagon. That is mostly due to Perez’s ability as an opportunist. Make a mistake, and Perez can latch on a submission like he did against Ian Heinisch or starch someone like he did to Anthony Hernandez.
For Perez's latest challenge, he takes on countryman Wellington Turman, who nearly beat Karl Roberson in a late-notice UFC debut in July. Turman has some talent and is at his best when he can get his hands on his opponents, as he is typically able to bully his opponents around and work for submissions.
Turman may have enough physical strength to dominate the clinch and wear out Perez, but otherwise, this style matchup plays right into Perez’s wheelhouse. The pick is Perez via first-round submission.
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