The upcoming UFC Mexico card features an exciting lightweight bout between Daniel Zellhuber and Francisco Prado, promising a clash of young talents with significant potential in the division.
Daniel Zellhuber Batters Franciso Prado Over Three Rounds at UFC Mexico
Zellhuber comes into the fight with a professional MMA record of 14-1, and has quickly rebounded from his first career loss to Trey Ogden in 2022. His subsequent victories, including a unanimous decision over Lando Vannata and a second-round submission against Christos Giagos, highlight his technical striking and grappling capabilities. At 24 years old, Zellhuber stands 6’1″ with a notable 77″ reach, utilizing a switch stance that allows him to be versatile in his attacks.
Francisco Prado
Prado on the other hand, holds a 12-1 record. Like Zellhuber, Prado faced defeat in his UFC debut against Jamie Mullarkey but bounced back impressively with a first-round knockout of Ottman Azaitar. The 21-year-old Argentine fighter is 5’10” and fights out of an orthodox stance, packing significant power in his strikes.
This matchup presents an interesting dynamic, with Zellhuber’s technical and diverse striking pitted against Prado’s power. Zellhuber’s eight-inch reach advantage and ability to fight at altitude in Mexico City could play crucial roles in this encounter. While Prado is expected to be a formidable opponent in the early rounds, his potential to fade as the fight progresses could offer Zellhuber opportunities to capitalize on his jab and long-range kicks.
What Unfolded at UFC Mexico
Prado started with pushing Zellhuber against the fence looking to land haymakers from the get go giving the Mexican fighter some problems. Zellhuber danced on the outside landing jabs and trying to create distance to take advantage of the reach advantage. A close round with both men throwing heavy.
Zellhuber comes out immediately and jabs the eye of Prado covering his face in blood and landing combinations in range, before exciting out of danger. Prado dealing with a lot of blood, but still swinging for the fences and returning fire. Zellhuber controlling the fight and utilizing that significant range advantage, and with the doctor clearing Prado to continue, we head into the third round.
Zellhuber’s jab continues to batter the right eye of Prado, but Prado still bites down on his gumshield and tries to look for an opening, but Zellhuber far to aware to put himself in any danger. Both men point to the canvas and slug it out in the last ten-seconds much to the fans delight.
Official result: Daniel Zellhuer def. Fransico Prado by unanimous decision
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
