A pair of forthcoming fight cards have received updates to them, and I’ll offer my thoughts on the newest bouts in the current MMA odds and ends.
Chance Rencountre vs. Kyle Stewart, UFC on ESPN+ 1 (UFC Fight Night 143)
We have the last fight card update for the UFC on ESPN+ one card this weekend, taking place Saturday in Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Chance Rencountre eventually has his opponent as he’ll take on Octagon newcomer Kyle Stewart in a lightweight bout on the card. ESPN first broke news. Rencountre’s unique opponent Randy Brown was pulled from the card due to a rumored USADA flagging, while Dwight Grant was not cleared to fight because of an eye injury. Rencountre (12-3) lost a decision to Belal Muhammad in his UFC debut but had won four straight bouts before it. Stewart (11-1) has only lost once in his career, to top LFA potential James Nakashima, and in his last bout conquered Braden Smith by choice. I think most will seem to fade Rencountre inside this area, and I expect Stewart to really be a slight favourite here despite making his UFC debut on short notice.
Lando Vannata vs. Marcos Rosa, UFC 234
Lightweight Lando Vannata lately reupped a new four-fight contract with the UFC, and he returns to fight Octagon newcomer Marcos Rosa at UFC 234, occurring February 10 at Rod Laver Arena at Melbourne, Australia. ESPN broke the news. Vannata (9-3-2) only has a 1-3-2 album from the UFC, but nearly every one of his fights was exciting which is the reason why the UFC decided to bring him back. He’s coming from a draw against Matt Frevola, and hasn’t really won a fight as a KO win over John Makdessi at December 2016. Rosa (6-4) is a veteran of the Brazilian regional circuit also has actually won three of his last four bouts by stoppage. Finally it seems like the UFC has booked Vannata a winnable fight, and I expect him to be a sizeable favorite to receive his hands raised.
Dong Hyun Ma vs. Devonte Smith, UFC 234
And finally, Dong Hyun Ma (formerly known as”the other” Dong Yun Kim) will return at UFC 234 if he takes on Devonte Smith in what ought to be an action-packed lightweight bout. Ma (16-8-3) is 3-2 overall from the UFC and is now riding a three-fight win streak including a notable TKO win over Takanori Gomi and a decision win over Damien Brown. Smith (9-1) is 1-0 so far in the UFC with a ridiculous KO win over Julian Erosa. He has won his last five fights, and all nine of his pro wins have come by stoppage, with his lone defeat a TKO loss to John Gunther. I very much enjoy watching Ma battle and I must give the UFC matchmakers props for booking what is sure to be an exciting fight. But I am very high on Smith and I believe he’s likely to come back in here and end Ma’s win series. Look for Smith to be the favorite in the sportsbooks following his flashy UFC debut.
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