Preview: UFC 265 ‘Lewis vs. Gane’

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Bantamweights

NR | Casey Kenney (16-3-1, 5-2 UFC) vs. NR | Yadong Song (16-5-1, 5-1-1 UFC)

ODDS: Kenney (-122), Song (+102)

Talented bantamweights look to rebound from disappointing losses in this one. Within short order, it became apparent that China’s Song had the upside of a title contender, and that hype only grew louder after his 2019 knockout of Alejandro Perez, which showed the considerable horsepower that he can bring to the table. However, it has been a rocky road for Song in the three fights since, as he has struggled with opponents that he has not been able to put away. Cody Stamann managed to out-wrestle him but only walked away with a draw, and Song’s win over Marlon Vera was a nip-tuck affair that many felt should have gone the Ecuadorian’s way. Those issues came to a head in March against Kyler Phillips, who appeared to be a step back in competition. Instead, Phillips put on the best performance of his career, staying measured and patient while outmaneuvering Song and coasting to a decision win. Still just 23 years old, Song has considerable potential but needs to figure things out, particularly as he gets thrown right back into the fire. Kenney was a well-rounded talent by the time he got the late-notice UFC call in early 2019, and he made his name early in his UFC career with his grappling. Ray Borg and Manny Bermudez found themselves on the losing end of wrestling and grappling exchanges with Kenney, allowing the judoka to score two upset wins. After a loss to Merab Dvalishvili just prior to the coronavirus pandemic, Kenney learned the right lessons and managed to pivot to a high-volume and counter-heavy style, reaping the rewards with three straight wins for a breakout 2020 campaign.

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Kenney got a huge opportunity against Dominick Cruz in March but was unable to take advantage. Cruz managed to frustrate Kenney on the feet, and the wrestling that was always in the Indiana native’s back pocket did not get him much of anywhere. This is a huge fight for both men, given that both entered the year expecting to take the next step into contender status, only to get turned back. Kenney has the better put together game, but it will be interesting to see how much Song can make up that difference with sheer power. The wrestling advantage should go Kenney’s way, as takedown defense has been one of Song’s clear weaknesses, but it remains unclear if that would be a path towards winning offense. In a standup affair, it is up to Kenney to pivot from his take-one-to-give-two style into something more evasive. He is certainly capable of that, and as one of Phillips’ teammates, he will certainly be aware of the right game plan to neutralize Song. However, the bet is that Kenney will still look to pressure and get hit as a result. If that happens, Song’s power can make up for any advantage that Kenney might have in terms of control or volume. The pick is Song via close decision.

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