UFC Vegas 20 predictions: ‘Rozenstruik vs Gane’ early ‘Prelims’ undercard preview

Two of the fiercest strikers the activity has to present lock horns this Saturday (Feb. 27, 2021) when mounting Heavyweight star Ciryl Gane meets fellow kickboxing ace Jairzinho Rozenstruik at UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. The ESPN+-streamed card will also see all-action Light Heavyweight Nikita Krylov try to halt the rise of Magomed Ankalaev and Montana De La Rosa get on Brazilian finisher Mayra Bueno Silva.

UFC Vegas 20 characteristics just 5 (for now) “Prelims” undercard bouts this time round, organized in a COVID-encouraged 3:2 format. Let’s get to it …

125 lbs.: Alexis Davis vs. Sabina Mazo

Alexis Davis (19-10) — now closing in on eight a long time in the Octagon — went 5-2 as a UFC Bantamweight right before properly debuting at 125 lbs . with a selection around Liz Carmouche. She’s however to taste victory given that, dropping consecutive selections to Katlyn Chookagian, Jennifer Maia and Viviane Araujo.

“Ally-Gator” has submitted eight experienced opponents and knocked out yet another two.

While her hoopla train missing some momentum just after a UFC debut reduction to Maryna Moroz, Sabina Mazo (9-1) obtained it back again on keep track of with 3 consecutive victories. Her most the latest proved her most impressive, as she dropped Justin Kish with a head kick ahead of choking her out in the 3rd.

She’s 13 many years more youthful than Davis, stands one inch taller, and has a two-inch get to edge.

On the one particular hand, Davis’ new losses have occur completely to high quality Flyweights — Chookagian and Maia went on to problem for the title, although Araujo has established herself as one particular of the division’s ideal prospects. On the other, this appears like a genuinely tough match up for her, as Mazo has the takedown protection to keep it on the toes and the kickboxing techniques to command and out-operate her there.

Admittedly, Davis generally puts up a tricky combat and Mazo has enable fights get nearer than they require to be, so “Ally-Gator” gritting out a narrow selection isn’t out of the concern. Still, the young, fresher, busier Mazo seems to be poised to potshot her way to an entertaining victory.

Prediction: Mazo by way of unanimous conclusion

135 lbs.: Ronnie Lawrence vs. Vince Cachero

Ronnie Lawrence (6-1) ended a two-12 months layoff with a to start with-round knockout in Jan. 2019, then sat out one more 15 months next a win in his LFA debut. Back in Sept. 2020, he confronted Jose Johnson on “Contender Collection,” racking up a dozen successful takedowns en route to earning a UFC deal.

Half of his experienced wins have occur by sort of knockout.

Vince Cachero (7-3) — a 1-time LFA title challenger — snapped a two-battle dropping streak in Feb. 2020, knocking out Marvin Garcia. 6 months afterwards, he stepped up on small recognize to encounter Jamall Emmers, who utilized a deadly clinch and constant takedowns to acquire a extensive final decision victory.

He stands two inches shorter than Lawrence at 5’6” and provides up 2.5 inches of attain.

I’m eager to slash Cachero loads of slack for his effectiveness in the Emmers fight since it was a last-minute bout versus a very talented Featherweight even so, his complete lack of ability to deal with Emmers’ wrestling can make it hard to see him successful this. Lawrence has the takedown prowess and fuel tank to set Cachero on his back again all night time, producing the latter’s placing gain a non-variable.

Cachero’s ideal likelihood is to stay affected individual and attempt to capture Lawrence coming in, as “The Heat” is susceptible when closing the length. Thinking about his usual penchant for all-out aggression and Lawrence’s skill to capitalize on any opportunity, nevertheless, the likelier outcome sees Lawrence place him through the exact same roller coaster journey he did Johnson and commence his Octagon run with a earn.

Prediction: Lawrence by using unanimous decision

205 lbs.: Maxim Grishin vs. Dustin Jacoby

Maxim Grishin (31-8-2) place collectively an 18-1-2 operate on his way to the Octagon, the place he misplaced a limited-see Heavyweight clash with Marcin Tybura in his debut. He returned to Light Heavyweight for his sophomore work a few months later on and knocked out Gadzhimurad Antigulov for his inaugural UFC victory.

“Maximus” has ended 22 expert bouts within the length, 16 of them by means of knockout.

8 years right after leaving UFC on a loss, Dustin Jacoby (13-5) showcased his vastly improved kickboxing with a choice about Ty Flores on “Contender Sequence.” He didn’t need to have the judges on his return to the Octagon proper, on the other hand, jogging about Justin Ledet in just a 50 %-round.

He’ll delight in a two-inch attain advantage.

Fond as I am of Jacoby, he however desires to confirm both of those his cardio and his means to cope with mid- to substantial-degree wrestlers. Grishin figures to exam a person of all those points, remaining a clear-cut kickboxer with a sturdy motor and a great deal of cage expertise. If Jacoby can keep rate with him, his edge in firepower and flexibility should be adequate to protected a unanimous determination. If he fades the way he did on “Contender Collection,” even so, Grishin’s far more than good sufficient to capitalize.

In Jacoby’s protection, that combat was just his second blended martial arts (MMA) bout considering the fact that 2015, so it stands to reason that his whole-time return to the cage will generate proper changes to his pace. Grishin will make him perform for it, but hope Jacoby to handle the centre and land the additional telling photographs on his way to victory.

Prediction: Jacoby by means of unanimous choice

A few extra UFC Vegas 20 “Prelims” bouts keep on being to preview and forecast, which include the newest from Macy Chiasson and a fun clash of Gentle Heavyweight “Contender Series” veterans. Same time tomorrow, Maniacs.

Keep in mind that MMAmania.com will supply Dwell round-by-spherical, blow-by-blow protection of the entire UFC Vegas 20 struggle card this weekend, starting off with the ESPN+ “Prelims” matches, which are scheduled to get started at 5 p.m. ET, then the remaining most important card equilibrium on ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET.

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