Preview: UFC 252 ‘Miocic vs. Cormier 3’ Prelims

Featherweights

Kai Kamaka III (7-2) vs. Tony Kelly (5-1)

ODDS: N/A

It is an extremely late addition to the card, but this should be an exciting enough tilt between debuting featherweights. Kelley’s most notable fight was a split decision loss to Kevin Aguilar in 2016, and that must have made an impression on someone in the UFC, as the Shreveport, Louisiana, native has only fought once in the ensuing four-plus years. However, Kelley acquitted himself well against Aguilar and has an entertaining fighting style, so it is an understandable if surprising signing. Kelley takes on Hawaii’s Kamaka, who in contrast takes this bout just 15 days after scoring a win in the Legacy Fighting Alliance. Kamaka is a solid fighter even beyond the usual Hawaiian scrappiness, showing a solid enough clinch and wrestling game to control fights when needed. That will be the difference here. Kamaka may still be the more aggressive and powerful fighter in a pure kickboxing match, but Kelley’s wrestling looks to be a liability and the Hawaiian should at least have that as a safety valve. The pick is Kamaka via decision.

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