Heavyweights
Mohammed Usman (10-3) vs. Thomas Petersen (8-2)Odds: Usman (-135), Petersen (+114)
It might not be the prettiest fight, but one of two solid heavyweight prospects should wind up with a much-needed win here. A 2023 alum of the Contender Series after a solid regional career, Petersen figured to have a fairly smooth transition to some level of success in the UFC; a decorated collegiate wrestler, "The Train" leans on that background early and often, which has typically been enough to grind out wins against the lower levels of the UFC's heavyweight roster. That made it a bit of a surprise when he lost his UFC debut to Jamal Pogues, who seemed bullyable in the past but was able to outwork Petersen enough to earn a decision victory. Things might go better here against Usman, who brings much more physicality than Pogues to the table but not the pace. The younger brother of former welterweight champion Kamaru and a former football player, Usman's done well to improve during his seven years in the sport; it's been a slow process, but "The Motor" has smoothed out a lot of the clunkiness in his game to become a solid fighter, albeit one buoyed a ton by his physical strength. Petersen might wind up just getting stalled out while attempting to outwrestle Usman, but there's a decent chance he can make his game work; and even if not, he might just pump out enough volume to win rounds while pressuring Usman to no particular end. It figures to be ugly either way; the pick is Petersen via decision.
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