Preview: UFC 272 Prelims

Sign up for ESPN+ right here, and you can then stream UFC 272 live on your smart TV, computer, phone, tablet or streaming device via the ESPN app.

Light Heavyweights

NR | Kennedy Nzechukwu (9-2, 3-2 UFC) vs. NR | Nicolae Negumereanu (11-1, 2-1 UFC)

ODDS: Nzechukwu (-145), Negumereanu (+125)

When the UFC signed Nzechukwu, the “African Savage” was still particularly raw. Even though he had two appearances on the Contender Series, he was less than two years out from his professional debut in 2016. Nzechukwu figured to focus on keeping opponents at bay with his lanky frame, something that still has not proven particularly effective against UFC-level competition thus far. Despite that, Nzechukwu has still shown some things that should serve him well going forward. The 2021 campaign saw Nzechukwu establish himself as a bit of a comeback king. Carlos Ulberg and Danilo Marques each poured out their gas tanks, Ulberg via striking and Marques via grappling, only for Nzechukwu to show an impressive amount of poise and patience in just keeping his guard up and eventually turning things around for a finish. That did not work as well in November against Da Un Jung, who is quickly making a name for himself as a top prospect and finished Nzechukwu in short order. Still, Nzechukwu has a solid chance at a rebound against Negumereanu. The Romanian’s 2019 UFC debut was not particularly impressive. His previous record, built mostly around running over a poor level of competition in his homeland, did not inspire much confidence, so it was easy to write Negumereanu off after he found himself overwhelmed by Saparbek Safarov over three rounds. After missing all of 2020, Negumereanu strung together an impressive 2021 run. A one-dimensional slugger, Negumereanu used sheer persistence—and some well-timed fence grabs—to take a decision win over Aleksa Camur, then won a war of chins in an October victory over Isaac Villanueva. There is a chance that Negumereanu could manage to put together three straight wins. He is consistently aggressive and has not really flagged, so he may be able to get Nzechukwu to shell up and wait for a turning point that never comes. However, at a certain point, it is hard to bet against a clear gap in skill and physicality that should allow Nzechukwu to take over this fight as long as he shows the aptitude for doing so. The pick is Nzechukwu via ugly decision.

Continue Reading » Agapova vs. Moroz