The UFC has announced several new fights for upcoming fight cards. Here are the bouts, along with my initial thoughts on the bookings:
Brad Scott vs. Jack Marshman, UFC Fight Night 127 An injury replacement note to make: Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos is out of his UFC Fight Night 127 bout opposite Jack Marshman, and on short notice steps in Brad Scott. The fight takes place March 17 at The O2 Arena in London, England. Scott (11-5) has had an up-and-down UFC career since losing to Robert Whittaker in the TUF Smashes Finale, going 3-4 overall in the Octagon. He’s an exciting fighter to watch but he is inconsistent and oft-injured. Marshman (22-7) is 2-2 in the UFC. Like Scott, he’s alternated wins and losses in his UFC career but has put on fun fights. I do like this matchup but I’m assuming it’s a loser-leaves-town fight. It looks like a pretty even fight on paper, with perhaps a slight edge to Marshman just becaues he’s been fare more active as of late.
Joseph Benavidez vs. Sergio Pettis, UFC 225 An important flyweight bout between Joseph Benavidez and Sergio Pettis goes down at UFC 225, which takes place June 9 at United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Benavidez (25-4) is coming off of five-straight wins including a decision over Henry Cejudo in his last fight but he hasn’t fought in over a year due to injuries. When healthy he’s one of the best flyweights on the planet so it’s good to see him return to full health and make his return to the Octagon. Pettis (16-3) is coming off of a decision loss to Cejudo but prior to that had won four-straight fights. He’s had a solid UFC career so far but I wouldn’t call him a true title contender. I think if Benavidez comes back without any issues from his injury then he should win this fight rather handily. I’d peg Benavidez as a solid favorite here, and if he wins hopefully he gets another crack at the title because he deserves it.
Allen Crowder vs. Rashad Coulter, UFC 225 Additionally, a heavyweight bout has been added to UFC 225 pitting Allen Crowder against Rashad Coulter. Crowder (9-3, 1 NC) was brutally knocked out by Justin Willis in his UFC debut but prior to that had racked up four-straight knockouts on the regional circuit. Coulter (8-3) has lost both his UFC bouts by knockout but had racked up five-straight wins on the regional circuit prior to entering the Octagon. This looks like a match between two similar fighters, but I’d have to give a lean to the younger fighter in Crowder.
