Preview: UFC Fight Night 235 Prelims

Lightweights

Marquel Mederos (8-1, 0-0 UFC) vs. Landon Quinones (7-2-1, 0-1 UFC)

ODDS: Mederos (-148), Quinones (+124)

Quinones did not show much on “The Ultimate Fighter” in 2023, but a look at his regional film shows why the UFC still saw fit to bring him in as an injury replacement shortly afterwards. “The Lone Wolf” could serve to pick up the pace a bit, but he showed off his wares as a consistent and patient fighter who could break down his opponents and score a late finish. He also acquitted himself well in his UFC debut against Nasrat Haqparast in September. Haqparast’s own high pace exhausted Quinones by the end of their encounter, but he did well to hang tough for 15 minutes against one of the most naturally talented lightweights in the promotion. Quinones attempts to rebound against a UFC newcomer and Dana White’s Contender Series alum in Mederos, an interesting prospect in his own right.

Mederos has a fascinating grab bag of skills, showing some impressive timing with a herky-jerky striking game that might otherwise seem inefficient. Past that, he has broken out an effective wrestling attack to ride out some wins if the going gets tough. Mederos’ effectiveness seems to fade against opponents willing to apply pressure and keep him from dictating the fight, which makes for an interesting wrinkle in this assignment. Quinones does look to be Mederos’ most physically imposing opponent to date, but he is going to give the UFC newcomer a lot of time and space to try and make his game work. Quinones does look quite durable on top of being an effective wrestler, so the bet is that he can survive and drag Mederos into his deepest waters yet. Even so, this is a fascinating coinflip of a fight. The pick is Quinones via decision.

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