There are a few fascinating new spells which have been shown for upcoming battle cards, and below are my first reactions to those bouts in today’s MMA odds and ends.
Johnny Walker vs. Misha Cirkunov, UFC 235
An accident to Ovince Saint-Preux has knocked him out of the UFC 235 matchup against Misha Cirkunov, also filling in on short notice will be Johnny Walker. UFC 235 occur March 2 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. MMAFighting.com broke the news of this replacement matchup. Walker (16-3) seems like he might be the next big thing at 205lbs. The Brazilian is about an eight-fight win series and is 2-0 in the UFC with back-to-back KOs over Justin Ledet and Khalil Rountree. He is a star in the making and this fight will give him the chance to beat a ranked fighter and leap into the division’s top-10. Cirkunov (14-4) is 5-1 at the UFC with all his wins coming by stoppage, but he himself has been knocked out two. Cirkunov was arguably the best prospect in the light heavyweight division at one point, but Walker is now, and I’d have to think Walker will be a large favorite to win this battle.
Alejandro Perez vs. Cody Stamann, UFC 235
Because of an injury to Song Yadong, Alejandro Perez will now take on Cody Stamann in UFC 235. Perez (21-6-1) is 7-1-1 in the UFC and beat Eddie Wineland in his final struggle. Stamann (17-2) is 3-1 in the UFC and is coming from a submission reduction to Aljamain Sterling. Perez has an awesome record but stylistically Stamann presents matchup problems for him. I believe Perez will be the favorite as a result of his win streak, however, Stamann is quite live here.
Luis Pena vs. Steven Peterson, UFC Fight Night 148
Featherweights Luis Pena and Steven Peterson will meet UFC Fight Night 148, taking place March 23 at Bridgestone Arena at Nashville, Tennessee. Rodney James broke the news. Pena (5-1) is 1-1 at the UFC and also lost a split decision to Michael Trizano his last time out. Peterson (17-7) is 1-1 in the UFC as well and is coming from a split decision win over Matt Bessete. Close fight here between two men who must obtain some more consistency, but depending on his popularity Pena will surely be the betting favorite in this one despite creating his 145lbs debut.
David Branch vs. Jack Hermansson, UFC on ESPN two Middleweights David Branch and Jack Hermansson are set to lock horns at UFC on ESPN two, occurring March 30 in Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Branch (22-5) is 2-2 in his latest stint at the UFC but is coming from a surprising KO loss to Jared Cannonier. Hermansson (18-4) is 5-2 in the Octagon and is coming off of back-to-back stoppage wins over Thales Leites and Gerald Meerschaert. Branch was on a great win series for some time but both knockout losses he has from the UFC concerns me. I would have to favor Hermansson in this one just based on his momentum and also the fact he’s the younger and larger fighter in this matchup.
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