Preview: UFC Fight Night 178 Prelims

Bantamweights

Andre Ewell (16-6) vs. Irwin Rivera (10-5)

ODDS: Ewell (-210), Rivera (+175)

Ewell certainly made an impact in his UFC debut, scoring a win over former bantamweight champion Renan Barao, though that frankly says more about the Brazilian’s slide than anything else. Not that Ewell lacks talent, but he has a well-defined style with clear strengths and limitations. Ewell is a long-range striker, pure and simple, who looks to use his considerable reach to frustrate and snipe his opponents. That has led to a relatively clear through line when it comes to his fights: If Ewell can get a boxing match at his range for 15 minutes, it is a pleasure to watch, but things quickly go downhill against opponents with effective pressure or strong wrestling. Ewell now draws Irwin, who has already dealt with a huge size difference once in his UFC career. Rivera’s promotional debut came at featherweight against Giga Chikadze, who is absolutely massive for that division and managed to keep the former Titan Fighting Championship titleholder at bay. Rivera looked better last time out in a win against Ali AlQaisi, but this should still be Ewell’s fight to lose. Rivera may actually have the more diverse striking arsenal, including some body work that could give Ewell trouble, but he keeps a patient pace. If Rivera either had decent size for the bantamweight division or some aggression, he would take this, but he has neither. The pick is Ewell via decision.

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