Preview: UFC 266 Prelims

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Lightweights

NR | Uros Medic (7-0, 1-0 UFC) vs. NR | Jalin Turner (10-5, 3-2 UFC)

ODDS: Medic (-125), Turner (+105)

This should be a banger of a bout between physically gifted prospects. Turner is absolutely massive for the lightweight division at 6-foot-3, though “The Tarantula” is still obviously figuring out how to channel those physical tools. The UFC did not do him any favors in his debut—a late-notice step up in weight opposite Vicente Luque—but Turner has mostly looked impressive since. Matt Frevola’s wrestling and pressure frustrated Turner, but he has otherwise been able to dictate the terms of his fights and show a lot of offensive weapons against overmatched competition. Up next for Turner: a date with Medic, who is still a bit of a mystery man but an extremely promising prospect nonetheless.

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Born in Serbia, Medic made his pre-UFC name on the Alaskan fight scene, where he overwhelmed the absolute weakest level of competition through little more than wild aggression. However, Medic cut down to lightweight for his 2020 bout on Dana White’s Contender Series, and that, along with a move to Kings MMA, seems to have unlocked a lot for “The Doctor,” who ran over Mikey Gonzalez to earn a UFC contract before quickly beating Aalon Cruz in his Octagon debut. Turner is by far the most dangerous opponent the Serbian has faced to date, so it remains to be seen whether the Medic’s aggression will overwhelm another opponent or see him charge right into the first loss of his career. Given that Turner has had previous issues with pressure and been finished in the past, the bet is on the former, even though the fact that Medic is also unproven beyond the first round is a worry. The pick is Medic via first-round stoppage.

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