Preview: UFC 295 Prelims

Lightweights

Jared Gordon (19-6, 7-5 UFC) vs. Mark O. Madsen (12-1, 4-1 UFC)

ODDS: Gordon (-198), Madsen (+164)

This is a fascinating test between two fighters who could use a win. Gordon’s UFC career has required more reinvention than expected, but “Flash” has turned out to be a solid fighter coming out the other side of that process. Initially a featherweight prospect with an aggressive and pressure-heavy style, Gordon ran into a few issues upon hitting the UFC. He suddenly found himself unable to make weight at 145 pounds, and lightweight opposition was able to find success cracking his previously reliable chin. Slowly but surely, Gordon learned to work around his newfound issues and developed a much more effective ability to pick his spots, though he has hit a clear athletic ceiling at times, most notably in recent years against Grant Dawson and Paddy Pimblett—though the latter bout resulted in a controversial decision loss. Gordon impressed against Bobby Green in April until that fight suddenly ended in a clash of heads, so perhaps he will show similarly strong form against Madsen. A former Olympic silver medalist in Greco-Roman wrestling, Madsen’s age always made him a bit of an odd prospect. He had dabbled in the sport at times but did not transition to a full-time mixed martial artist until he was well into his 30s. Those base wrestling skills have served him well enough to rack up some wins in the UFC, but things have been far from bulletproof. His striking has progressed well given his background but not enough to be a reliable path to victory, and his defensive wrestling has even been a liability at times, most notably in his loss to Dawson in 2022. Madsen is still a standout athlete capable of hitting like a truck and grinding out a win, even if the 39-year-old probably does not have enough time to round into championship-level form. That athleticism gap provides the most intrigue here, since Gordon has the much more functional game, particularly with the knowledge that Madsen can be taken down despite his credentials. It almost surely will not be a pretty win, but as long as Gordon sticks to his guns and fights based on his own skills, he should be able to get this over the finish line. The pick is Gordon via decision.

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