Preview: UFC 268 Prelims

The UFC 268 undercard on Saturday in New York may not live up to the absolutely stacked nature of some of the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s previous Madison Square Garden events, but there is still much to like in terms of stake and action. As much of this slate involves high-upside newcomers and prospects, the featured prelim sets the tone: Former kickboxing standout Alex Pereira enters the promotion in a middleweight showcase opposite Andreas Michailidis, hoping he can eventually beat Israel Adesanya in the cage the same way he once did in the ring. Meanwhile, Al Iaquinta makes his long-waited return in a corker of a match with Bobby Green; Edmen Shahbazyan looks to rebound against Nassourdine Imavov; and organizational newcomer Ian Garry tries to start cashing in on his championship-level upside. Of course, a heavyweight affair between Gian Villante and Chris Barnett means the preliminary festivities have a little bit—or a lot, depending on one’s perspective—of everything.

Now to the preview for the UFC 268 “Usman vs. Covington 2” prelims:

Middleweights

NR | Alex Pereira (3-1, 0-0 UFC) vs. NR | Andreas Michailidis (13-4, 1-1 UFC)

ODDS: Pereira (-250), Michailidis (+210)

The UFC is obviously in the Pereira business, judging by the Brazilian’s promotional debut earning featured prelim status—and rightfully so. “Poatan” comes to the Octagon with a reputation as one of the best kickboxers in the world and a built-in storyline should he find any success, as he remains the only man to knock out Adesanya, the reigning UFC middleweight champion. Frankly, it is unlikely that Pereira’s transition to full-time mixed martial artist goes as smoothly as Adesanya’s. Pereira has already struggled slightly with wrestling and grappling, and while Adesanya seems like a uniquely smooth athlete who got into this sport in his 20s, Pereira is already in his mid-30s. With that said, Pereira is still a gigantic middleweight who can hit like a truck, and none of those issues figure to matter against Michailidis. Greece’s Michailidis came to the UFC as a solid veteran, and while he is ostensibly the more well-rounded fighter, he typically favors keeping his fights on the feet, either staying at range with some spin-heavy attacks or blitzing in to try and overwhelm his opponent. Neither seems like a good idea here. The pick is Pereira via first-round knockout.

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