Bantamweights
Sergey Morozov (18-5, 2-2 UFC) vs. Journey Newson (10-3, 1-2 UFC)This should be an enjoyable scrap between two bantamweights still looking to carve out a niche in the UFC. Kazakhstan’s Morozov had a successful regional career on the back of an approach that is a bit disjointed and inconsistent. Morozov can do a bit of everything and packs a lot of power, but his confidence in his own abilities varies wildly from moment to moment. Given an advantageous matchup, Morozov can look excellent while running through his opponent, but his UFC career has been marked by a lot of moments where he faces some resistance and needs to regroup, leading to some wild momentum swings. It is not a surprise that Morozov has alternated wins and losses through four UFC bouts—something that is also true of his opponent here. Newson is an unspectacularly well-rounded striker who can hold his own on the mat, given things last that long. Newson has enough power paired with durability issues that the middle stretch of his UFC career has seen him score a 38-second knockout of Domingo Pilarte only to then suffer a 41-second knockout against Randy Costa. Both men can get thrown off their game, but it is also unclear if either can provide enough consistent danger for the other to get any momentum truly rolling. Morozov has a bit more in terms of options when it comes to wrestling, so he gets the narrow nod in a fight that should be relatively even. The pick is Morozov via decision.
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Morozov vs. Newson