Andre Soukhamthath (-130)
Age: 29
Nationality: American
MMA Record: 12-5
UFC Record: 1-2
Notable Wins: Luke Sanders
Notable Losses: Alejandro Perez, Brian Kelleher, Albert Morales
Last Fight: TKO win over Luke Sanders
Fighter Profile: A former champion in CES, Soukhamthath has had an up-and-down UFC career thus far, being outpointed in his first two fights and then showing off his knockout power in his TKO win over Sanders his last time out. The fight with Sanders showed the potential Soukhamthath has, as we’ve seen this power from him in the past on the regional circuit. He has a ton of knockout power for a 135er. The problem is if he doesn’t finish his opponents he often loses decisions when the fight his the scorecard. He’s a talented fighter, but perhaps not well-rounded enough to truly make a run up the bantamweight ladder.
Sean O’Malley (+110)
Age: 23
Nationality: American
MMA Record: 9-0
UFC Record: 1-0
Notable Wins: Terrion Ware
Notable Losses: None
Last Fight: Decision win over Terrion Ware
Fighter Profile: O’Malley was one of Dana White’s favorite prospects coming off of the Contender Series and he didn’t disappoint in his UFC debut in an exciting decision win over Ware. O’Malley has a very fun-to-watch striking style as he throws a high volume on the feet and he has finishing power as well. He’s one of the youngest fighters in the bantamweight division and also one of the biggest at 5’11”. I think this kid has the potential to be really good and getting a key win over a tough fighter like Soukhamthath on PPV would be big for his career going forward.
Fight Breakdown: This should be a pretty exciting fight and it’s good exposure for both guys fighting on a PPV main card. I’m fully expecting this fight to take place in the center of the Octagon with both men throwing strikes at each other and looking for the finish the entire time. From what I’ve seen O’Malley is the more technical striker and throws with more volume and power. Soukhamthath is very tough and I’m expecting him to survive to a decision, but I have to go with O’Malley to get his hand raised on points at the end of 15 minutes.
Prediction: Sean O’Malley via decision
