UFC 262: Lando Vannata vs Mike Grundy- Preliminary Card Prediction and Analysis

A featherweight showdown has caught the attention of fight fans for its ‘Fight of the Night’ potential. UFC featherweights Lando Vannata and Mike Grundy will all but certainly go to war as they aim to cash in the bonus check. Both men operate on a stand and deliver mindset and their prior appearances are a testament to that.

The featherweight division is spoiled for choice at the moment when it comes to high-level talent streaking the rankings. Though Vannata and Grundy are still ways away from the title picture, they will look to take a forward step. Furthermore, what makes the fight compelling is that there’s an element of calculation that goes into the all-out violence by both men.

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UFC 262: Lando Vannata vs Mike Grundy

Lando Vannata has had a mixed run as of late going 2-2 in his last four outings. He’s coming off a UD loss to Bobby Green in a fight that stole the show back in August. The fan-favorite fighter has deceptively sneaky range attacks that he disguises well with shorter strikes.

Vannata’s durability will be a major look-out for Grundy as ‘Groovy’ has never been stopped with strikes in the cage. However, Mike Grundy has shown himself to carry around cinderblocks in both fists and can swing things in his favor with power shots. Vannata has faced power strikers before and has solid step-in techniques that have stunned the likes of Tony Ferguson.

Mike Grundy suffered a defeat in his last fight to Movsar Evloev that snapped his 9-fight win streak. While he’s still relatively new to the UFC’s octagon, the 12-2 featherweight has been an exciting prospect for a while now. Etching a win over an established name like Lando Vannata could go a long way in his title aspirations.

Mike Grundy relies more on his footwork than excessive head movement when trying to navigate through his opponent’s pressure. However, this could prove costly against a step-in puncher like Lando Vannata who’s accurate as well. It’s historically been hard to get rid of ‘Groovy’ on the feet and Grundy may look towards a decision-based approach.

Prediction: Mike Grundy to claim a unanimous decision victory.