There are a couple intriguing new bouts which have been revealed for upcoming battle cards, and here are my initial reactions to these bouts in the current MMA odds and ends.
Johnny Walker vs. Misha Cirkunov, UFC 235
An accident to Ovince Saint-Preux has knocked him from his UFC 235 matchup against Misha Cirkunov, and filling in on short notice will be Johnny Walker. UFC 235 occur March 2 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. MMAFighting.com broke the news of this replacement matchup. Walker (16-3) seems like he might be the upcoming big thing at 205lbs. The Brazilian is about an eight-fight win streak and is 2-0 in the UFC with back-to-back KOs over Justin Ledet and Khalil Rountree. He’s a star in the making and this fight will give him the chance to beat a ranked fighter and leap in the branch’s top-10. Cirkunov (14-4) is 5-1 in the UFC with all his wins coming by stoppage, but he has been knocked out two. Cirkunov was arguably the best prospect in the light heavyweight division at one point, but Walker is currently, and I’d need to think Walker will be a big favorite to win this battle.
Alejandro Perez vs. Cody Stamann, UFC 235
Because of an accident to Song Yadong, Alejandro Perez will take on Cody Stamann in UFC 235. Perez (21-6-1) is 7-1-1 in the UFC and conquer Eddie Wineland in his last fight. Stamann (17-2) is currently 3-1 at the UFC and is coming off of a submission reduction to Aljamain Sterling. Perez has an wonderful album but stylistically Stamann presents matchup problems for him. I believe Perez is going to be the favorite as a result of his win series, but Stamann is quite live here.
Luis Pena vs. Steven Peterson, UFC Fight Night 148
Featherweights Luis Pena and Steven Peterson will meet UFC Fight Night 148, taking place March 23 at Bridgestone Arena at Nashville, Tennessee. Rodney James broke the news. Pena (5-1) is 1-1 at the UFC and lost a split decision to Michael Trizano his out time. Peterson (17-7) is 1-1 at the UFC too and is coming off of a split decision win over Matt Bessete. Close fight here between two men who must obtain some more consistency, but depending on his popularity Pena will surely be the betting favorite in this one despite creating his 145lbs debut.
David Branch vs. Jack Hermansson, UFC on ESPN 2 Middleweights David Branch and Jack Hermansson are set to lock horns in UFC on ESPN 2, taking place March 30 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Branch (22-5) is 2-2 in his latest stint at the UFC but is coming from a sudden KO loss to Jared Cannonier. Hermansson (18-4) is 5-2 in the Octagon and is coming from back-to-back stoppage wins over Thales Leites and Gerald Meerschaert. Branch was on a fantastic win series for some time but both knockout losses he has in the UFC worries me. I would have to prefer Hermansson in this one just based on his momentum as well as the fact he’s the younger and bigger fighter in this matchup.
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