Preview: UFC Fight Night 179 Prelims

Bantamweights

Tony Kelley (5-2) vs. Ali AlQaisi (8-4)

ODDS: Kelley (-225), AlQaisi (+185)

Kelley’s short-notice UFC debut was certainly a pleasant surprise. The Louisianan had a suspect record when he was added to UFC 252 on a few days’ notice, and a quick submission win on the regional scene in 2019 marked his only fight of the previous four years. However, Kelley and Kai Kamaka III went to war for 15 minutes in one the UFC’s best fights of the year, raising his stock despite a decision loss. “PrimeTime” looks for his first UFC win against AlQaisi, who made some history in August as the first UFC fighter from Jordan. AlQaisi is a powerful wrestler first, second and third, which could be his path to victory in this one. Kelley’s wrestling has not been tested much in what footage is available, but what is there does not look particularly promising. With that said, Kelley looks like the much better fighter overall, and if AlQaisi cannot get him down and keep him there, the Louisianan should be able to win this based on his volume of strikes alone. The pick is Kelley via decision.

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