Preview: UFC Fight Night 232 ‘Allen vs. Craig’

Welterweights

Uros Medic (9-1, 3-1 UFC) vs. Myktybek Orolbai (11-1-1, 0-0 UFC)

ODDS: N/A

Medic has been a fascinating prospect to track since winning a contract on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2020. A massive lightweight who recently made the move up to welterweight, Medic is a clear physical talent who spent his regional career running over subpar competition on the Alaskan scene. A 2021 loss to Jalin Turner raised some worry that “The Doctor” would be unable to handle competition that could provide some pushback, but his two fights since have resulted in some impressive performances. He looked measured in eventually knocking out Omar Morales and came back from the brink of a finish to score a late win over Matthew Semelsberger in July. For his next test, Medic draws a late replacement and UFC newcomer in Orolbai, who looks like a solid addition to the roster. Primarily a wrestler at the beginning of his pro career, Kyrgyzstan’s Orolbai has started developing an impressive power punching game as he has come stateside, making for an impressive package of skills that could round into something quite effective as he gains some experience. He also does not look like a fighter who will be cowed by Medic’s size, which makes for an interesting challenge on both sides. Orolbai is facing the toughest test of his career to date but might be the opponent best equipped to test Medic’s newfound improvements. The read is still that Medic can outmaneuver Orolbai for the better part of three rounds, particularly on late notice, but the Kyrgyz newcomer impressing—even a loss—would not be shocking. The pick is Medic via decision.

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Allen vs. Craig
Morales vs. Matthews
Hooper vs. Leavitt
Talbott vs. Aguirre
Ribas vs. Pinheiro
Medic vs. Orolbai
The Prelims