Preview: UFC 297 Prelims

Flyweights

Malcolm Gordon (14-7, 2-4 UFC) vs. Jimmy Flick (16-7, 1-2 UFC)

ODDS: Gordon (-130), Flick (+110)

Each of these flyweights really could use a win in what could be a strange fight. A veteran of the Canadian scene, Gordon was a solid late-notice pickup for the UFC in 2020, though he came to the promotion with a clear flaw. He just is not a durable fighter, and while he often got rocked on his way to victory on the regional scene, that issue has come home to roost at the UFC level and found him on the losing end of a few knockouts. Whenever Gordon can survive, he is a solid but unspectacular fighter, and the good news here is that Flick does not figure to offer much danger as a striker. Flick earned a contract via Dana White’s Contender Series in 2020 and looked to be a fun addition to the flyweight ranks as an aggressive submission specialist. Things looked good for “The Brick” when he debuted a few months later with a win over Cody Durden on the last card of the year, but he then decided to retire for two years, staging a comeback in 2023 that has not been particularly successful. Flick still has the same game, but Charles Johnson and Alessandro Costa were each able to neutralize his best weapons and pound out a stoppage. Like Gordon, Flick figures to look better here against an opponent who is much less potent. Flick landing a low-percentage submission would not be a shock, but this could be a fight that Gordon simply wins on the feet; and if nothing else, the Canadian should have success dictating the terms of engagement. The pick is Gordon via decision.

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Katona vs. Armfield
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Lainesse vs. Patterson
Jasudavicius vs. Cachoeira
Gordon vs. Flick