Preview: UFC 271 Prelims

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Light Heavyweights

NR | Carlos Ulberg (3-1, 0-1 UFC) vs. NR | Fabio Cherant (7-3, 0-2 UFC)

ODDS: Ulberg (-235), Cherant (+190)

Ulberg’s UFC debut certainly did not go as planned. A former rugby player and model, Ulberg was an interesting prospect heading into that debut a bit over a year ago. His looks and charisma gave him some obvious star potential, but while Ulberg was an exciting knockout artist, he was still a raw talent. Ulberg shined on Dana White’s Contender Series to earn his UFC contract, but despite his glaring lack of experience, it was still a shock to see him completely implode against Kennedy Nzechukwu in his first UFC assignment. “Black Jag” looked excellent in the early going but gassed horribly and made himself a sitting duck to an eventual Nzechukwu finish. The Kiwi should be able to rebound against Cherant, who has had a tough go of it in the UFC thus far. At the regional level, “The Water Buffalo” has had enough power and athleticism to get by with an awkward, low-volume style. However, upon getting the late-notice call from the UFC, the promotion has done him no favors with its matchmaking. He has been put against two of the most impressive physical specimens in the division—Alonzo Menifield and William Knight—and was quickly finished by each of them. Ulberg is a bit more forgiving of a matchup, but his finishing ability is probably enough to still make quick work of Cherant before those cardio issues start to arise. The pick is Ulberg via first-round knockout.

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