Preview: UFC 311 Prelims

Middleweights

Zachary Reese (8-1, 2-1 UFC) vs. Azamat Bekoev (18-3, 0-0 UFC)

ODDS: N/A

There’s still plenty to work out, but Reese’s last performance suggests he might be a prospect worth watching. Reese had been effective to that point, but he looked to be more curiosity than potential contender. Large for the division, Reese’s approach mostly centered around abandoning all defense and looking to overwhelm his opponents in short order. That mostly worked, save for a UFC debut that saw Cody Brundage counter a submission attempt by slamming Reese into unconsciousness; and win or lose, things would usually get settled for Reese within a round. Reese rebounded from the loss to Brundage with a quick knockout of Julian Marquez, but his next win over Jose Medina might have been a more impressive bit of business. Medina had little to offer besides his durability, but for someone who had never fought past the first round, Reese looked solid in continuing to pour on offense over the course of a dominant three-round victory. Reese was initially slated to face Sedriques Dumas in what looked like a solid chance at a win, but thanks to a late-notice replacement, he might get a tougher matchup against a UFC newcomer in Bekoev.

Bekoev has some power in his hands, as evidenced by his last win via knockout, but he’s clearly a wrestler at heart, often embracing the grind for his most success. There is a clear path to victory for Reese, since even some of Bekoev’s best victories have seen him get hit hard with some flush strikes in the process. However, Bekoev’s wrestling looks like the safest bet despite the late-notice spot. The pick is Bekoev via decision.

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