Preview: UFC on ESPN 29 Prelims

The Ultimate Fighting Championship’s return to the UFC Apex in Las Vegas on Saturday features a solid six-fight slate of prelims. As far as name value is concerned, there is not much to go on with UFC on ESPN 29, but all six bouts should bring their own level of entertaining action. This is a lineup filled with prospects looking to pour on the offense, and even Brian Kelleher—the most established veteran on the undercard—leans on a kill-or-be-killed style that usually generates excitement.

Now to the preview for the UFC on ESPN 29 “Cannonier vs. Gatelum” prelims:

Featherweights

NR | Luis Saldana (15-6, 1-0 UFC) vs. NR | Austin Lingo (8-1, 1-1 UFC)

ODDS: Saldana (-115), Lingo (-105)

This looks like a guaranteed banger on paper. Lingo’s pre-UFC career did not require much of a breakdown. He charged after his opponents while hunting a finish, and that approach worked more often than not, as he came into the UFC riding a streak of three straight stoppage victories in 25 seconds or less. However, his late-notice UFC debut in early 2020 showed the limitations of his pursuits, as Youssef Zalal stayed out of trouble and made Lingo look one-dimensional over the course of 15 minutes. Lingo rebounded with a win over Jacob Kilburn in January, and it was quite one-sided. Lingo’s approach still is not particularly nuanced, but his relentless pressure led to Kilburn eating a great deal of damage while not getting much done in return. Lingo looks to make it two straight wins against Saldana, who is attempting to build on a successful UFC debut in April. Saldana did not have the most sterling record prior to his contract-winning appearance on Dana White’s Contender Series, but he is a lanky striker who looks to press offense and figures to make an impact in the UFC as a result. His win over Jordan Griffin in his Octagon debut was a bit controversial, as he surrendered takedowns and control on the ground, but he did well enough on the feet to make up the difference and eke out the victory. Saldana has more layers to his striking and could catch Lingo with a big moment of offense, but the Fortis MMA rep looks like the more powerful athlete and harder hitter, giving him the edge in the war of attrition this fight figures to be. The pick is Lingo via decision.

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