Preview: UFC on ESPN 16 Prelims

Bantamweights

Casey Kenney (14-2-1) vs. Heili Alateng (14-7-1)

ODDS: Kenney (-275), Alateng (+235)

At first blush, this is a bit of a step down for Kenney after a successful UFC campaign thus far, but this is actually an interesting piece of matchmaking. Kenney has mostly made his name playing spoiler. Ray Borg and Manny Bermudez were expected to outgrapple Kenney handily but instead found themselves getting neutralized and suffering upset losses in the process. Merab Dvalishvili was too much for Kenney to handle in what was admittedly a rough style matchup, but he rebounded with a submission win over Louis Smolka and looked set for a move up the ladder. Instead, he draws China’s Alateng, who has the chance to turn things around on Kenney and play spoiler himself. He is a powerful hitter who has done well to pick up the pace in comparison to his regional film, and if he can keep the fight standing, there is the chance for him to cause some damage against Kenney’s mediocre striking game. That may be a big leap based off Alateng’s previous UFC opposition—Kenney is certainly levels above Danaa Batgerel and Ryan Benoit—but “The Mongolian Knight” has looked good enough that there is an outside shot he can spring the upset. However, at the end of the day, Kenney is the much more proven fighter. Kenney by decision is the pick.

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