Lightweights
Mark O. Madsen (8-0) vs. Danilo Belluardo (12-4)ODDS: Madsen (-550), Belluardo (+425)
At least for this card, the UFC is firmly in the Madsen business, as it has given him a co-main event assignment in his organizational debut.
Madsen was an obvious signing for this card, as he represented Denmark in the 2016 Olympics and took the silver medal in Greco-Roman wrestling. That about sums up his approach when it comes to mixed martial arts. He does not look particularly overwhelming on the feet or like much of a dynamic finisher, but Madsen has shown more than enough ability to turn things into a grind and earn a decision win without much trouble. That will probably be the game here against Belluardo, an Italian veteran who has looked like a well-rounded fighter but surprisingly dropped his UFC debut to Joel Alvarez via ground-and-pound in June.
Belluardo is typically at his best when he gets his wrestling game going, which does not bode well for him here. Madsen should be able to control this without much trouble. As such, the pick is Madsen via decision.
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