A number of UFC bouts were announced this week that flew under the radar due to the post-fight impact of UFC 229, and I’ll list all of these new bouts and give my thoughts on them in today’s MMA odds and ends.
Andre Soukhamthath vs. Jonathan Martinez, UFC Fight Night 138
Due to an injury to Gavin Tucker, Andre Soukhamthath will now face UFC newcomer Jonathan Martinez at UFC Fight Night 138, which is set for Saturday, October 27 at Moncton Events Center in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada. Soukhamthath (12-6) is 1-3 in the UFC and lost a close decision to Sean O’Malley in his last bout. Martinez (9-1) has won two straight fights on the regional circuit to get the call to the UFC but hasn’t fought in over a year. Despite his poor UFC record, I’d have to favor Soukhamthath in this fight.
Sijara Eubanks vs. Roxanne Modafferi, UFC 230
Women’s flyweights Sijara Eubanks and Roxanne Modafferi meet at UFC 230, taking place Saturday, November 3 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Eubanks (3-2) beat Lauren Murphy in her UFC debut after a successful run on TUF. Modafferi (22-14) is 1-2 in the UFC and in her last fight picked up a TKO win over Barb Honchak. I’m expecting a competitive line but I would lean towards Eubanks in this one as she’s the stronger fighter and superior striker.
Brian Kelleher vs. Montel Jackson, UFC 230
An injury to Domingo Pilarte has forced him out of his UFC 230 fight against Brian Kelleher and in his place will be Montel Jackson, who took the fight on short notice. Our own James Lynch broke the news via Twitter following an interiew with Kelleher. Kelleher (19-9) is 3-2 in the UFC and is coming off of a brutal KO loss to John Lineker. Jackson (6-1) is 0-1 in the UFC having lost a decision to Ricky Simon in his Octagon debut. Jackson is a decent prospect but Kelleher is a very solid vet and I favor him in this fight especially considering the fact he’s had a full training camp.
Al Iaquinta vs. Kevin Lee, UFC on FOX 31
The UFC announced that the main event of UFC on FOX 31 will be a five-round lightweight rematch between Al Iaquinta and Kevin Lee. The event takes place Saturday, December 15 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Iaquinta and Lee met four years ago, with Iaquinta beating Lee by decision at UFC 169. Iaquinta (13-4-1) is 8-3 overall in the UFC and in his last fight lost a decision to Khabib Nurmagomedov. Lee (17-3) is 10-3 overall in the UFC and beat Edson Barboza via TKO in his last fight. Both guys are very solid fighter and this is an excellent matchup. Lee will likely be favored, but don’t write off Iaquinta from getting another win.
Sergio Pettis vs. Rob Font, UFC on FOX 31
A bantamweight bout between Sergio Pettis and Rob Font was also added to UFC on FOX 31. Pettis (17-4) is 8-4 overall in the UFC and is moving back up to 135lbs after losing a decision to Jussier Formiga at last weekend’s UFC 229 event. Font (15-4) is 5-3 in the UFC and lost a decision to Raphael Assuncao in his last fight. Tough one to call here but I slightly lean towards the bigger Font.
Dan Ige vs. Jordan Griffin, UFC on FOX 31
And finally, a featherweight bout between Dan Ige and Jordan Griffin takes place at UFC on FOX 31. Ige (9-2) is 1-1 in the UFC and beat Mike Santiago via TKO in his last fight. Griffin (17-5) made it to the UFC after appearing on Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series and will make his Octagon debut in this one. Based on his UFC experience, expect Ige to be favored.
