Preview: UFC on ESPN 46 Prelims

Light Heavyweights

Maxim Grishin (32-9-2, 2-2 UFC) vs. Philipe Lins (16-5, 2-2 UFC)

ODDS: Grishin (-135), Lins (+115)

This could wind up quite ugly, but it is a well-matched fight between two veterans looking to maintain their momentum. Lins’ return to light heavyweight has surprisingly unlocked some things for the Brazilian, give how his career had gone prior to his 2020 UFC debut. “Monstro” was rather unremarkable at 205 pounds, but he had a breakout 2018 campaign with the Professional Fighters League after moving up to heavyweight, winning the company’s tournament and making some hay as a fast fighter for the division. However, that did not lead to much success once Lins made it to the UFC, seemingly leaving him stuck between divisions, as a move back down to light heavyweight did not seem too promising move. Upon his return to the weight class, Lins looked in shockingly strong form, somewhat reversing the proposition of what found him success at heavyweight, refocusing on being an aggressive bully willing to leverage his physical strength and power. That earned him a one-sided win over Marcin Prachnio in early 2022, and he followed it with a sub-minute knockout of Ovince St. Preux in February. Lins looks to continue his winning ways against Grishin, a well-rounded if frustrating veteran. Grishin has a lot of tools as a light heavyweight with impressive size and durability who can hold his own just about anywhere, but “Maximus” does not bring much dynamism to the table. Content to neutralize his opponents and fight at a slow pace, Grishin mostly focuses his effort on being an immovable force that can outlast his foes and win some ugly decisions on the margins. Grishin does show off some power when he decides to throw—it makes his commitment to patience all the more frustrating—so there is a chance he can pull that trick once again. However, with Lins rediscovering some aggression in his return to light heavyweight, the lean is that the former PFL champion can win this on pace, even if he may not make much actual progress towards a finish. The pick is Lins via decision.

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