Preview: UFC Fight Night 235 Prelims

Heavyweights

Thomas Petersen (8-1, 0-0 UFC) vs. Jamal Pogues (10-4, 1-1 UFC)

ODDS: Petersen (-170), Pogues (+140)

Pogues is still a bit hard to parse as a prospect. He looked like a solid light heavyweight talent early on in his career, but after a two-year layoff, he showed up on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2022 as a much heavier fighter who seems set to compete at heavyweight going forward. Pogues’ contract-earning performance itself was a mixed bag. He showed a solid ability to absorb offense and throw out strikes of his own, but the fight resulted in a fairly unwatchable decision victory that made it a surprise when the UFC decided to bring Pogues into the fold. Pogues’ UFC debut win over Josh Parisian—a showing that saw Pogues instead lean on his wrestling—told about the same story. It was a clear win that was a strong result for a young heavyweight, even if it was ugly in practice. Then came his July fight against Michael Parkin. In another ugly affair, Pogues did not do much of anything and coasted to a decision loss. Pogues definitely has some talent, but between his inconsistent application of his tools and the fact that he does not seem to have much finishing ability, he could face an uphill battle while learning on the job inside the UFC. For the time being, he will look to turn back a UFC newcomer in Petersen, who earned a contract on DWCS in August.

Petersen’s approach is simple but effective. A standout wrestler, “The Train” looks to take down his opponents early and often with an eye towards overwhelming them for a stoppage. The lone loss of his career thus far, a fight where Waldo Cortes-Acosta was able to survive against him and score a late knockout, does suggest that Petersen will likely need to add some new wrinkles to get by some of the more potent athletes of the division. With that said, Pogues looks quite bullyable without much of a risk of things suddenly going south. The pick is Petersen via decision.

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