A couple new UFC bouts were announced yesterday, and here they are along with my thoughts on them.
Nik Lentz vs. Gray Maynard, UFC 229
A lightweight affair between Nik Lentz and Gray Maynard is set for UFC 229, which takes place Saturday, October 6 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The bout was first reported by Adam Hill of the LVRJ. Lentz (28-9-2, 1 NC) is coming off of a decision loss to David Teymur but is just one fight removed from a surprise submission win upset over Will Brooks. He remains one of the top grinders in the UFC lightweight division though he never developed into a contender. Maynard (13-6-1, 1 NC) is coming off of a decision win over Teruto Ishihara and has actually won two of his last three bouts, but he’s not far removed from a four-fight losing streak. I think you have to continue to fade Maynard and I would favor Lentz to win this fight.
Zubaira Tukhugov vs. Artem Lobov, UFC Fight Night 138
A featherweight matchup between Zubaira Tukhugov and Artem Lobov has been added to UFC Fight Night 138, which takes place Saturday, October 27 at Moncton Events Center in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada. The UFC has officially announced the fight. Tukhugov (18-4) has not fought in over two years since a decision loss to Renato Moicano but had won nine straight fights before that. Lobov (13-14-1, 1 NC) is on a two-fight losing skid and desperately needs a win to stay on the UFC roster. Despite the long layoff I have to favor Tukhugov in this fight. I just feel like he’s the better fighter and anytime you can fade Lobov I think you have to. The guy has a losing record and can’t be trusted to win a fight, even against a guy who hasn’t fought in a long time like Tukhugov.
Mike Trizano vs. Luis Pena, UFC Fight Night 139
A battle between TUF veterans Mike Trizano and Luis Pena is the latest addition to UFC Fight Night 139, which takes place Saturday, November 10 at Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. DenverPost.com announced the bout. Trizano (7-0) just won TUF with a decision win over Joe Giannetti. Pena (3-0) defeated Richie Smullen at the TUF Finale. Both guys should show some improvements after the show but based on the fact Trizano actually won it you would have to figure he is favored to get the win here.
Alonzo Menifield vs. Saparbek Safarov, UFC Fight Night 139
A light heavyweight matchup between Alonzo Menifield and Saparbek Safarov will also take place at UFC Fight Night 139. Menifield (7-0) won via first-round KO on Dana White’s Contender Series to earn his shot in the UFC. Safarov (8-2) has been stopped in his first two UFC bouts. Menifield looks like a serious prospect at 205lbs while Safarov looks like a guy who is going to struggle to stay on the UFC roster. I think this is a set-up fight to get Menifield a brilliant win in his UFC debut, and I see him going out there and knocking Safarov out in the first round.
