Preview: UFC on ESPN 36 Prelims

Middleweights

Nick Maximov (8-0, 2-0 UFC) vs. Andre Petroski (7-1, 2-0 UFC)

ODDS: Maximov (-380), Petroski (+290)

Maximov almost surely made it to the UFC much too early, but at least he has been able to succeed while he has had to learn on the job. Maximov got a Dana White’s Contender Series look in 2020 but did not earn a contract, and there were whispers he would re-appear on that series or “The Ultimate Fighter” until his UFC debut was announced in September. Given that card also marked the return of Nick Diaz and that Maximov was one of a few Diaz disciples that got a UFC shot, it is easy to connect the dots that his connections got him a spot on the roster. However, Maximov is a prospect who figured to make the UFC at some point, and at age 24, he has made the best of the shot, winning decisions over Cody Brundage and Punahele Soriano. Both victories were absolutely ugly, however. Maximov does not have much going for him at this point besides an absolutely dogged wrestling and grappling game, though it is impressive in its own way how much he has been able to make that one dimension work through sheer persistence. Maximov’s lack of effective striking and questionable cardio at the moment figures to bite him at some point, but it is unclear if either will factor into the equation against Petroski. There is a lot to like about the recent “Ultimate Fighter” alum, who looks like an overwhelming force at his best when he is able to bully his opponents with powerful striking and a strong wrestling game. However, there has been a clear pattern in which Petroski hits a breaking point against opponents who do not go away, whether it is his suddenly tiring and getting much more tense or just his opponents turning things around and finishing the fight outright. There has been some progress on that front, however. Petroski has still looked obviously uncomfortable in the latter stretches of his two UFC bouts, but he has been able to stay aggressive and score third-round finishes against the bottom rungs of the UFC’s middleweight division. Petroski could find some early success on the feet, but this figures to become a grind at some point, which should greatly favor Maximov. It is unlikely that Petroski can outgrapple him outright, and while both men should be gassed by midway through the second round, Maximov does a much better job of fighting through that adversity. This should be grimy.

FEELY’s PREDICTION: The pick is Maximov via decision.

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