With the return of Jon Jones and a main card stacked with talents, many fights are going under the radar at UFC 285. We’re going to highlight just a few for you to keep an eye on.
Just days away from the event there are currently 14 fights on the card; we’re picking three that we feel have flown under the radar on the UFC 285 fight card.
Ian Machado Garry vs Kenan Song
In a featured spot on the UFC Fight Pass prelims, Ian Garry vs Kenan Song might be a bout overlooked by many. In a welterweight contest, the two combatants have a combined record of 29-6.
For Ian Garry, his record sits at a perfect 10-0 with an impressive six finishes. All but one coming by way of KO/TKO and the other via submission. One of Ireland’s best and brightest talents the hype surrounding Ian brings Irish fans hope they could have another future champ in the mix.
Kenan Song might not be the biggest or flashiest name but when he steps into the cage he delivers. Currently sitting on a 19-6 record the man from China has only seen the judges twice in his 19 wins. With a wealth of experience and 17 finishes to his name, this fight should deliver fireworks.
For Ian this is the next step up to prove to fans he’s the real deal. For Song, it’s an opportunity to gain some new fans by taking out an undefeated prospect.
Mateusz Gamrot Vs Jalin Turner
In a division full of killers these two men are among the dark horses at lightweight. Ranked at #7 and #10 respectively this bout could have huge career ramifications moving forward. This could have passed eyes by due to the short notice step-in from Gamrot.
Mateusz came into the UFC with an unblemished 17-0 record having just held KSW gold. Since his debut, Gamrot has only fought the best and has won four of six inside the cage. A well-rounded embodiment of the newer generation of mixed martial artists, Gamrot has no clear weakness.
Turner has had a remarkable turnaround inside the octagon. From losing two of his first three inside the UFC cage, Jalin has put together an incredible five-fight winning streak finishing all five. One of the tallest lightweights out there at 6’ 3” Turner uses his length to his advantage. He can work on the feet or mat, making him a nightmare matchup.
Each ranked in the top ten of the sport’s most dangerous division for a reason. This fight could be a three-round war or a first-round stoppage. Each man has immense skill already and a win for either just builds credibility pushing the top five.
Derek Brunson vs Dricus Du Plessis
A top-15 clash at middleweight might usually find itself in a featured PPV spot on a big card. However, a clash between #5 Derek Brunson and #10 Dricus Du Plessis has found itself the penultimate fight on the prelims. Due to its positioning on the card, many might have overlooked the quality and implications this fight holds.
Derek Brunson is looking to return to winning ways. After putting together a stellar five-fight winning run. Reinvigorated in this time Brunson has surprised many with his ability to hang with some of the newer names in the division. One of the most credible wrestlers at 185 Derek knows where his strength lies and doesn’t shy away from using it.
Du Plessis remains unblemished inside the octagon, starting his UFC career 4-0. 18-2 overall, outside the company Dricus would become a KSW double champion at both welter and middleweight. Transitioning seamlessly to the UFC of his four wins he has finished three. An unorthodox striker, Dricus can catch opponents with looping punches that usually remain unseen before shutting the lights off. He showed his fight IQ last time out against Darren Till using his superior wrestling to his advantage.
An intriguing fight between two men looking to add their names to the long list of championship contenders at middleweight. With the top of the division pretty inactive right now, a statement performance could leapfrog the winner nearer a title shot.
What fight do you think is most under the radar at UFC 285?
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
