Preview: UFC Saudi Arabia Prelims

Featherweights

Lucas Alexander (8-4, 1-2 UFC) vs. Bogdan Grad (14-2, 0-0 UFC)

ODDS: Alexander (-120), Grad (+100)

If nothing else, this fight is matched for action. Alexander is an obvious physical talent, but the Brazilian has struggled to make things work inside the UFC thus far, with his lone win in three fights coming against a near-retirement version of Steven Peterson. Alexander was able to show off his wares in that fight, as his combination of speed and a diverse kicking game can make him a terror at range, but otherwise, opponents have been all too successful in tracking him down, with a knockout loss to Jeka Saragih in 2023 proving particularly damaging. After missing all of 2024, Alexander looks for a rebound against an Austrian newcomer in Grad, who earned a contract in his second shot on Dana White’s Contender Series in August. Grad might not have the most obvious upside, particularly after suffering a quick knockout loss to Tom Nolan in his first go-round on DWCS, but he should have his fair share of entertaining fights. His straight-ahead style resulted in one of the better fights of on the Contender Series in 2023—a decision win over Michael Aswell. Alexander is the much better prospect from an athletic standpoint, so there’s a decent chance he can quickly find his timing and knock Grad out. However, the read is that Grad’s aggression can keep Alexander from hitting a groove, even if the ensuing scrap might be a bit messy. The pick is Grad via decision.

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Gaziev vs. Petersen
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Alexander vs. Grad
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