A number of new UFC bouts have been added to three upcoming fight cards. Here are the bouts, along with my initial thoughts on them.
Alex White vs. Dan Moret, UFC Fight Night 146
Lightweights Alex White and Dan Moret are set to clash at UFC Fight Night 146, taking place March 9 at Intrust Bank Arena in Wichita, Kansas. Nolan King broke the news. White (12-5) is 3-5 in the UFC and is coming off of a submission loss to Jim Miller. Moret (13-4) was knocked out by Gilbert Burns in his UFC debut. Coin-flip fight here and I expect the line to be a Pick ’em.
Grant Dawson vs. Julian Erosa, UFC Fight Night 146
Featherweights Grant Dawson and Julian Erosa will also meet at UFC Fight Night 146. MyMMANews.com broke the news. Dawson (12-1) is finally making his UFC debut after a USADA case kept him on the sidelines. Prior to his suspension, he had won on the Contender Series to get a UFC deal. Erosa (22-6) is 0-2 in the UFC and was knocked out by Devonte Smith in his last outing. This looks like a situation to fade Erosa in and take Dawson for the win.
John Makdessi vs. Nasrat Haqparast, UFC Fght Night 148
A fun fight between lightweights John Makdessi and Nasrat Haqparast is set for UFC Fight Night 148, taking place March 23 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. Makdessi (16-6) is 9-6 in the UFC and is coming off of back-to-back decision wins over Ross Pearson and Abel Trujillo. Haqparast (10-2) is 2-1 in the UFC and won “Fight of the Night” for his decision win over Thibault Gouti. I think Makdessi is a great challenge for Haqparast at this point of his career, but given that he’s only 23 you have to favor Haqparast here.
Bobby Moffett vs. Bryce Mitchell, UFC Fight Night 148
Additionally, featherweights Bobby Moffett and Bryce Mitchell will battle at UFC Fight Night 148. Tom Taylor of BJPenn.com broke the news. Moffett (14-3) defeated Chas Skelly via controversial technical submission in his UFC debut. Mitchell (10-0) defeated Tyler Diamond in his own Octagon debut. This should be a competitive fight, but my initial lean is Moffett.
Ross Pearson vs. Desmond Green, UFC on ESPN 2
Lightweights Ross Pearson and Desmond Green will meet at UFC on ESPN 2, which takes place March 30 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Pearson (20-15, 1 NC) is 12-12, 1 NC in the UFC and has lost five of his last six fights overall. Green (21-8) is just 2-3 in the UFC himself. This is at least a fight Pearson could be competitive in, but I still have to favor Green.
Sheymon Moraes vs. Sodiq Yusuff, UFC on ESPN 2
As well, an intriguing featherweight bout between Sheymon Moraes and Sodiq Yusuff has been added to UFC on ESPN 2. Rodney James had the news. Moraes (11-2) is 2-1 in the UFC and is coming off of a great win over Julio Arce. Yusuff (8-1) knocked out Suman Mokhtarian in his UFC debut. Moraes is a very solid fighter with more experience, but it’s hard to bet against the super prospect Yusuff at this point, and I expect him to be favored.
