Preview: UFC on ESPN 29 ‘Cannonier vs. Gastelum’

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Lightweights

NR | Mark O. Madsen (10-0, 2-0 UFC) vs. NR | Clay Guida (36-20, 16-14 UFC)

ODDS: Madsen (-170), Guida (+150)

Even at 36 years old, Madsen is a lightweight prospect worth watching. “The Olympian” won a silver medal for Denmark in Greco-Roman wrestling in 2016, and he has played to his strengths in his mixed martial arts career thus far, looking to take the fight to the mat early and often, sometimes in the form of high-amplitude slams. From there, Madsen has typically opted for control over the finish, though his 2019 UFC debut showed some promise in that regard, as he took down Danilo Belluardo and ended the fight via ground-and-pound in just a shade over a minute. Madsen’s bout against Austin Hubbard just prior to the onset of the coronavirus pandemic was an interesting fight, if only because it highlighted the clear strengths and weaknesses for the Dane. After Madsen controlled the action with his wrestling without much issue through two rounds, Hubbard staged a third-round comeback that had the undefeated favorite in trouble and left him with a broken jaw. Given his age, Madsen’s upside and ability to become a contender is a fascinating question, and he gets his next test here against a promotional mainstay.

Sign up for ESPN+ right here, and you can then stream the UFC, PFL and “The Ultimate Fighter” live on your smart TV, computer, phone, tablet or streaming device via the ESPN app.

Guida has been on the UFC roster for nearly 15 years, and he is still doing the things that drew the company’s attention in the first place. After some dalliances with his striking, “The Carpenter” was back in classic form against Michael Johnson in February, earning yet another win via pace and a relentless wrestling game. Age has taken its toll on Guida—he is nowhere near his peak durability, for one—but if an opponent cannot put him away, the Team Alpha Male rep is still capable of putting on a performance that gives his opponent a difficult night and maybe even ekes out a win. That could be true in this co-main event, particularly come the third round when Madsen figures to flag, but the Dane’s wrestling figures to always be available as a safety valve and Guida does not figure to make up the difference with damage. The pick is Madsen via decision.

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