Preview: UFC 288 Prelims

Light Heavyweights

Kennedy Nzechukwu (11-3, 5-3 UFC) vs. Devin Clark (14-7, 8-7 UFC)

ODDS: Nzechukwu (-190), Clark (+160)

Nzechukwu was clearly a project when the UFC signed him in 2018, and he might be finally turning a corner. Nzechukwu’s physical gifts as a 6-foot-5 light heavyweight immediately made him a prospect to watch upon his debut, so it was not a shock when the UFC gave him a shot on Dana White’s Contender Series just three fights into his pro career, even if the promotion waited an extra year to officially put pen to paper. Once Nzechukwu hit the Octagon, he showed off a frustrating mix of rawness and potential. The UFC did not do him any favors by matching him with Paul Craig, who snagged a late submission while on the brink of defeat, and Nzechukwu’s best wins from there saw him struggle to get much done until the point that his opponents essentially wore themselves out pouring on effective offense. That survivalist strategy worked to a point, but losses to Da Un Jung and Nicolae Negumereanu showed the need for Nzechukwu to find a second gear and some initiative, which he immediately did in a one-sided win over Karl Roberson in his next fight. Nzechukwu’s last win over Ion Cutelaba went back to a bit more of his classic approach, but overall, things seem to be trending upwards for the “African Savage.” Perhaps he evolves a bit more against Clark. Another fighter who was all raw physical potential when he signed with the UFC back in 2016, Clark has settled into a solid niche as a consistent tough out and gatekeeper to the top tiers of the UFC’s light heavyweight division. Clark’s early career was marked by an impressive knack to suddenly charge into danger and suffer an immediate finish, but he has since become a much steadier fighter, for better or for worse. Clark is strong and durable, but he has a relatively aimless approach that essentially makes him a blank canvas for his opponents to try things out. If something works, it will likely keep working, but Clark will easily take over against an opponent who either gasses or pursues some bad ideas, like Jung did in February. Nzechukwu’s best performances have seen him mix in some wrestling, which does raise some worry that he will just play right into Clark’s hands much like Jung did. However, if Nzechukwu takes some time to settle into this fight, it is hard to see him even feeling the need to take the fight away from a range kickboxing bout that he will likely be winning. The pick is Nzechukwu via decision.

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