Preview: UFC 295 Prelims

Flyweights

Joshua Van (8-1, 1-0 UFC) vs. Kevin Borjas (9-1, 0-0 UFC)

ODDS: Van (-218), Borjas (+180)

The UFC has done well to fill out its flyweight ranks in the last few years, and Van is one of the more tantalizing recent additions to the division. Still just 22 years old, Van flashed a lot of tools during his two-year regional career. His defense is still clearly behind his offense, but Van is an impressively potent force for his age, capable of finding a finish either on the feet or the mat. His late-notice debut in June opposite Zhalgas Zhumagulov was clearly the toughest test of his career to date, and Van passed it with flying colors. Van showed the sharpest form of his career, particularly with his striking, and showed an ability to keep it up for three rounds in a decision victory. Up next is a UFC newcomer in Borjas, who was slated to fight Van on Dana White’s Contender Series before the Myanmar native got the UFC call. Borjas has continued the trend of Peruvian fighters overachieving on the main stage compared to their regional film. An aggressive scrapper, Borjas got outwrestled by the much more highly touted Victor Dias on DWCS but clearly outpaced him on the feet and walked away with the decision win. This does not feel like an easy win for Van, but he figures to hit the better shots if this turns into an all-out war; and if all else fails, wrestling and grappling look to be an effective backup plan for Van if he needs to pivot. The pick is Van via decision.

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