Can UFC Fight Night 254 Be Better Than Expected?
The aftermath of UFC 313 is upon us. The UFC returns to the Apex for UFC Fight Night 254. First glance at this card would have most fans extremely disappointed with a rather underwhelming fight card with all the current talent across the UFC roster. However, even though these fights aren’t high profile, I feel like they could be very entertaining and surprise many fans. I will go over which fights could keep you in your seat and change your mind about potentially skipping this card.
Starting in the prelims, we have a flyweight clash that could be non-stop action between undefeated Andre Lima and Daniel Barez. Barez has won four and his last five fights and has showcased his ability to push a high pace and mix in takedowns and grind out some tough wins. Lima is a highly effective striker and fights at a distance where he can pick his opponents apart without getting hit much in return. It will be a contrast of styles where one is trying to control the fight and be precise while the other will try to walk you down and wear you out. Whichever way this fight goes it should be a good one nonetheless. Making his heavyweight debut after a rocky light heavyweight career, Ryan Spann will try to finally live up to his potential against the hard hitting Waldo Cortes-Acosta. Spann rarely goes to a decision and now being a weight class higher, we will see if his style will change or will he still try and seek an early finish. If he decides to walk Cortes-Acosta down and try to get him out of there, he has the skills to do so, but he could be caught with a big overhead that could flatline in the process. I see this fight being a slugfest and more than likely having an early finish.
Moving on to the main card, the co-main event between two brute forces with high level striking and precision should make for quite the spectacular. Chidi Njokuani and Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos headline an intriguing welterweight bout that could be finished on the feet or on the ground. Dos Santos uses his unique fighting style and unpredictable movement to get in his opponent's face where he can mix up his striking with his grappling. Njokuani uses his reach and distance to try and set his opponent up for his overwhelming power. I believe both fighters will be in the pocket exchanging and one will be up against the fence swinging. Both fighters not only need a win but an impressive one at that, at this point in their careers. The main event is a rematch between two preliminary contenders in the middleweight division. Marvin Vettori returns to action for the first time in almost two years as he takes on an adversary he has beaten already in Roman Dolidize. The first fight was mainly one-sided as Vettori was able to pick Dolidize apart and control the pace at which the fight played out. This fight being five rounds plays more into Vettori’s favor as Dolidize has not fought well as the fights go longer. This could be a more back and forth fight depending on how the layoff has affected Vettori and his recent Twitter comments seem that his heart is no longer in it. You can say what you want online but once you're in the cage and get punched in the face, your natural instincts will come out. Both fighters are at a crossroads in their career and I’m excited to see which fighter wants it more and wants to put their name back at the top of the rankings
If you are a true combat sports fan, you know the most underrated cards come from the ones you least expect. Fighters who aren’t high profile usually fight like it’s their last because sometimes it may just be. Even the most casual fans will find enjoyment in a good majority of these fights. Give it a chance and you may just be happy you did.
