Preview: UFC on ESPN 50 ‘Sandhagen vs. Font’

Lightweights

Ignacio Bahamondes (14-4, 3-1 UFC) vs. Ludovit Klein (19-4-1, 3-2-1 UFC)

ODDS: Bahamondes (-230), Klein (+190)

This should be a compelling battle between two lightweights who have done a solid job of figuring things out. Chile’s Bahamondes figured to be a fun signing off the 2020 edition of Dana White’s Contender Series. Already a well-seasoned pro by his early 20s, “La Jaula” cut an impressive figure as a 6-foot-3 lightweight but chose to close ranks and scrap rather than take advantage of his size. That unchecked aggression led to a rude awakening for Bahamondes in his UFC debut, as he lost a barnburner to one of the shortest lightweights on the roster in John Makdessi. However, he did well to rebound in showing some much better use of his aggression in wins over Roosevelt Roberts and Zhu Rong, scoring a highlight-reel knockout of the former in the process. A year-plus injury layoff dulled Bahamondes’ momentum recently, but his April return against Trey Ogden was an interesting next step. Bahamondes clearly won the fight but looked to have tamped down the aggression even further, though it is unclear if that was a conscious decision or a result of Ogden’s neutralizing style. At any rate, it is good to see Bahamondes back in action and on a more normal schedule for this fight against Klein, who himself has taken some steps to be a smarter fighter.

The UFC’s first Slovakian representative, Klein lived up to his “Mr. Highlight” nickname in his promotional debut, landing his signature head kick for a knockout of Shane Young in 2020. However, 2021 was a rough year as Klein attempted to build on that success. Michael Trizano and Nate Landwehr were each able to make Klein uncomfortable with pressure, minimizing his ability to land those single powerful strikes while also exposing some cardio issues. Klein has since solved the latter point to an extent with a subsequent move up to lightweight, and he has also busted out a decent wrestling game to help him buy time and parcel out his energy, making him a much more effective fighter in some unfavorable style matchups. With that said, his last fight, a March draw in which Jai Herbert cost himself with some repeated fouls, did show that an opponent both willing to keep a pace on the feet and able to hold his own as a wrestler with Klein can wear him out down the stretch and find plenty of success. Unless Bahamondes has suddenly lost all of his aggression, the Chilean figures to follow Herbert’s lead with even more success. The pick is Bahamondes via decision.

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Sandhagen vs. Font
Suarez vs. Andrade
Nzechukwu vs. Jacoby
Lopes vs. Tucker
Boser vs. Camur
Bahamondes vs. Klein
The Prelims