Preview: UFC Fight Night 198 Prelims

Flyweights

NR | Cody Durden (11-3-1, 0-1-1 UFC) vs. NR | Qileng Aori (18-8, 0-1 UFC)

ODDS: Durden (-160), Aori (+140)

Aori certainly knows how to make a first impression. “The Mongolian Murderer” was one of a few Chinese prospects who was completely under the radar before making his UFC debut in 2021, and Aori made it count, putting on a three-round war against Jeff Molina that was the highlight of UFC 261 in April. That backed up the film that was available on Aori prior to his first trip to the Octagon. It painted him as a fighter who favors aggression above all else. Of course, Aori wound up on the losing end of that decision against Molina, so he looks for his first UFC win here. Durden is an interesting prospect who made his way to the UFC by running over a middling level of competition, and while he has shown some potential, he has struggled to turn a hot start into a win in either of his UFC bouts to date. Durden dominated the first round against Chris Gutierrez, only for the Factory X rep to charge back and make the fight a draw; and Durden’s last bout saw him charge into a flying triangle from Jimmy Flick. Durden should be able to take over early here, but if he does not score a finish on the mat in short order, Aori seems capable enough of turning this fight into a messy war that should see him outlast the Covington, Georgia, native over 15 minutes. It is a winnable fight for both men, but the pick is Aori via decision.

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