Preview: UFC Fight Night 189 Prelims

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Lightweights

NR | Jordan Leavitt (8-0, 1-0 UFC) vs. NR | Claudio Puelles (9-2, 2-1 UFC)

ODDS: Leavitt (-210), Puelles (+175)

Inactivity has kept Puelles completely under the radar, but the Peruvian is still a prospect worth watching. The runner-up on the third season of “The Ultimate Fighter Latin America,” Puelles rebounded from losing the season finale by authoring one of the greatest comebacks in UFC history, absorbing an absolute beating from Felipe Silva before clamping down on a kneebar in the third round. However, Puelles has had all of one fight in the ensuing three years—a wrestling-heavy win over Marcos Mariano in September 2019. Puelles looks to get some momentum with a win over Leavitt, who had an impressive UFC debut in December.

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In terms of high-level experience, Leavitt has done little outside of showing off his grappling skills, but thus, far that is all he has needed. He scored a slick choke to earn a contract via Dana White’s Contender Series, then obliterated Matt Wiman with a slam in that December debut. Puelles might be the more well-rounded fighter and could provide some intrigue if he survives on the mat, but with both men preferring to grapple, Leavitt looks set to clearly win a battle of strength against strength. The pick is Leavitt via first-round submission.