There are a couple intriguing new bouts which were shown for upcoming fight cards, and here are my first reactions to these bouts in the current 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, and filling in on short notice will be Johnny Walker. UFC 235 take place March 2 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. MMAFighting.com broke the news of this replacement matchup. Walker (16-3) looks like he is the upcoming big thing at 205lbs. The Brazilian is on an eight-fight win streak and is 2-0 in the UFC with back-to-back KOs over Justin Ledet and Khalil Rountree. He’s a superstar in the making and this fight will give him the opportunity to beat a ranked fighter and jump into the division’s top-10. Cirkunov (14-4) is 5-1 at the UFC with all his wins coming from stoppage, but he himself has been knocked out two. Cirkunov was arguably the best prospect in the light heavyweight division at one stage, but Walker is currently, and I would need to think Walker will be a big favorite to win this battle.
Alejandro Perez vs. Cody Stamann, UFC 235
Due to 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 fight. Stamann (17-2) is 3-1 in the UFC and is coming from a submission reduction to Aljamain Sterling. Perez has an awesome album but stylistically Stamann presents matchup problems for him. I think 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 at UFC Fight Night 148, taking place March 23 at Bridgestone Arena at Nashville, Tennessee. Rodney James broke the information. Pena (5-1) is 1-1 at the UFC and lost a split decision to Michael Trizano his out time. Peterson (17-7) is currently 1-1 in the UFC as well and is coming off of a split decision win over Matt Bessete. Close fight here between two guys who need to find more consistency, but depending on his popularity Pena will surely be the betting favorite in this one despite creating his 145lbs introduction.
David Branch vs. Jack Hermansson, UFC on ESPN 2 Middleweights David Branch and Jack Hermansson are set to lock horns in UFC on ESPN 2, 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 off of 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 streak for a while but both knockout losses he has from the UFC worries me. I’d have to favor Hermansson in this one only according to his momentum and also the fact he’s the younger and bigger fighter in this matchup.
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