UFC Fight Night: Ortega vs The Korean Zombie- Preliminary Card Prediction and Analysis

UFC Fight Night: Ortega vs The Korean Zombie marks the company’s second last event during their second stint on Yas Island. The UFC has mapped out a five-week stay on Fight Island that will come to a head next week. The headlining act for the aforementioned event is one of the most anticipated scraps of the year. Brian Ortega and Chan Sung Jung are never in a boring fight, and the entire card has compelling match-ups that have excited fans.

UFC lightweight’s: Mateusz Gamrot vs Guram Kutateladze

17-0 former KSW standout Mateusz Gamrot makes his UFC debut and is one of the most talked-about new signings. ‘Gamer’ Gamrot brings forth a brazen forward pressuring style that lends well to his propensity for finishing fights. Additionally, his placement on the preliminary card speaks to the UFC’s faith in his ability to deliver.

Guram Kutaleladze can swipe off Gamrot’s shine, should he manage to stop the hype train dead in its tracks. What’s more, the 11-2 fighter from Georgia also never shies away from a scrap, thus making this a frontrunner for ‘Fight of the Night’

Prediction: Mateusz Gamrot to claim a second-round KO win

UFC women’s Flyweight: Gillian Robertson vs Poliana Botelho

Gillian ‘The Savage’ is a frontrunner to make a big splash in the 125-pound division. The Canadian fighter is comfortable no matter where the fight goes and oftentimes is the aggressor in the fight. She will look to hold off the 8-1 Brazilian opponent who’s coming off a decision win over Lauren Meuller. Botehlo has appeared tentative when facing a pressuring fight, as seen in her loss to Cynthia Calvillo. This could be her undoing against Gillian Robertson.

Prediction: Gillian Robertson to claim a split decision victory

UFC middleweight’s Park Jun-Yong vs John Phillips

‘The Iron Turtle’ Park Jun-Yong has gone 8-1 in his last 9 outings, going all the way to November 2016. He’s got slick transitions of the ground and goes after his patented Anaconda choke the very first shot he gets. Facing the former BAMMA middleweight champion in Phillips, Park will have to show great versatility, especially on the feet.

John Phillips’ hype was somewhat derailed when crashed headfirst in Khamzat Chimaev in his last outings. However, he remains an exciting prospect in the stacked 185-pound division. He carries serious firepower in both hands and takes it deep into the fight.

Prediction: John Phillips to claim a unanimous decision victory

Lightweight’s: Jamie Mullarkey vs Fares Ziam

12-3 Australian fighter in Jamie Mullarkey lost his first outing in the UFC to Brad Riddle back at UFC 243. He’s an explosive talent who always chases the finish and his record reflects his drive to earn a stoppage. However, his cardio and durability are questionable, given the fact that he’s suffered some punishing KO losses.

Fares Ziam has gone 5-1 in his last six outings and will look to get his first win in the UFC. ‘The Smile Killer’ has a wide variety of tools but often relies on close-range striking to earn points on the scorecards. He’ll have the unpleasant task of keeping Mullarkey at bay, which is easier said than done.

Prediction: Jamie Mullarkey to claim a first-round TKO victory

Light heavyweight’s: Gadzhimurad Antigulov vs Maxim Grishin

The 20-7 Dagestani fighter is possibly fighting for his job after losing three straight fights, albeit to quality opponents. Not to mention, he has been finished in all his recent losses. Going into a fight with the heavy-handed Grishin, Antigulov will rely on his wrestling. Maxim Grishin can utilize the fact that Gadzhimurad’s gas tank is lowered going into the third round. This opens the door to earn a statement KO should he calculate distance well.

Prediction: Maxim Grishin to claim a unanimous decision victory

Bantamweight’s: Said Nurmagomedov vs Mark Striegl

All eyes are on the Dagestani grappler in Nurmagomedov, who is looking to bounce back from a loss. He utilizes similar techniques as the lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov once the fight hits the floor. Additionally, he’s got a respectable stand-up game to boot. However, he isn’t one to telegraph his shots and a season striker could pose some major problems.

Mark Striegl will look to get back to the win column after a low blow No Contest in his last fight. ‘Mugen’ will look to make a direct impact at 135-pounds and has solid experience fighting at ONE Championship. Furthermore, he’s got a good grappling arsenal and can threaten submissions on Said Nurmagomedov from the get-go.

Prediction: Said Nurmagomedov to claim a unanimous decision victory.