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Lightweight has some unanswered questions at the top, and we’re gonna get an answer this weekend as to who remains elite in the division.
As has been the case in recent weeks, we lost another fight on this card due to (gestures wildly around him) all this. That being said, Tanner Boser vs Philipe Lins has been bumped up to the main card. Since that was covered in our prelim preview, feel free to check that out for what we had to say about that.
But hey, we still have a fun night of fights ahead despite not being the most notable group around. But cards like this should be viewed with optimism, because fighters gotta make a name for themselves somewhere, you know? There’s potential for some breakout performances here, or at least something for a fighter to add to a highlight reel and make some waves.
Dustin Poirier vs Dan Hooker
Poirier (25-6) reached the very top after an run that would have been seen as improbable or even impossible five years ago. While he fell short against lightweight demigod Khabib Nurmagomedov, it seems like everyone does. The loss didn’t take a single iota of shine off him and he’s still absolutely lethal against anyone in the division. His boxing remains top-notch, his takedown defense is still very good and his phase shifting and submission attack (and defense) are also still top-shelf.
Dan Hooker (20-8) has been 7-1 since 2017, a dynamic run with exceptional performances and devastating striking exhibitions against very good opposition. Currently on a three fight win streak, his lone loss in that stretch was a battering at the hands of Edson Barboza where he was picked apart and figured out. While he still managed to rebound and impress, Hooker still struggled with an opponent that can outpace him inside and mess with his timing upon entry for his offense. None of this to say that Dustin is immune to a calculated and accurate striker that can also keep a good pace. We’re in for a firefight, folks. We’re spoiled for amazing violence, and this is not only a fight of major significance in the division, it’s an action banger.
Mickey Gall vs Mike Perry
Mickey Gall (6-2) has had an odd run since arriving in the UFC. His striking has improved, but his overall game hasn’t gelled together as soon as many would have hoped. He’s still a young, strong and capable fighter with excellent submission chains and a ton of heart. It’s a bit of a mystery as to what we can expect this time around, since he’s spent a lot of time training with Joe Schilling and company out in California.
But the real mystery will be Mike Perry (13-6). Done with an actual training camp, not exactly sure how his weight cut was going, and having his inexperienced girlfriend as his corner, anything really goes. He can defend takedowns well, defend submissions mostly well, and he’s insanely durable with good cardio. He should realisitcally be the overwhelming favorite, but which Mike Perry is even going to show up? Have fun with this one.
Maurice Greene vs Gian Villante
Greene (8-4) meets Villante (17-11) in a battle of guys that are just… there. Villante has been knocked in the past for being a plodding fighter with little head movement and big power. Greene is also kinda like that, but bigger and slightly better cardio. It’s not a fight you’re gonna feel good thinking about before it happens, not a fight you’ll enjoy, and you’ll totally regret watching it when it’s over. No disrespect, but this is stylistic poison from an entertainment standpoint.
Brendan Allen vs Kyle Daukaus
With all the talent that the UFC has poached from LFA, Brendan Allen (14-3) may be the one with the most potential to skyrocket into the top ten in little time. He does a lot of things right, from his striking to his submission game (with a combined ten rear naked chokes in pro and amateur runs). His striking is efficient with little waste, turns on the power as he starts to take over and has some of the best finishing instincts of any prospect out there.
Kyle Daukaus (9-0) will try to play spoiler to this ascendancy, with an extraordinary submission game as well. Only one of his wins have been by decision, and every finish has been either a D’Arce or rear naked choke. They both have very good striking, although Allen has more shine and more pop on his strikes. We might have a fight of the night here with a sneaky one from two fighters that are perfect additions to a division that so badly needs an injection of premium talent. Keep your eye on this one.
Sean Woodson vs Julian Erosa
Julian Erosa (23-8) is on his third go-round with the UFC with wild power and a fun style that doesn’t always prioritize defense. Sean Woodson (7-0) cut his teeth on the regional scene with Shamrock FC, sometimes withstanding a lot of damage as a sacrifice to land the kind of shot that turned fight momentum around, if not ending it entirely. While Erosa has a tendency to throw everything out there, Woodson can totally do that as well. Erosa has a power advantage, but can also get cracked. This one should be pure action as well.
UFC Fight Night: Poirier vs Hooker starts at 6:00pm EST, streaming on ESPN+ and also live on ESPN.