Preview: UFC Fight Night 189 ‘Rozenstruik vs. Sakai’

Middleweights

NR | Dusko Todorovic (10-1, 1-1 UFC) vs. NR | Gregory Rodrigues (9-3, 0-0 UFC)

ODDS: Todorovic (-145), Rodrigues (+125)

Todorovic entered the UFC as an interesting if not particularly exciting prospect. He appeared on Dana White’s Contender Series after some solid wins, and his victory over Teddy Ash showed his willingness to fight smart and grind out success in the clinch. After a dominant UFC debut against Dequan Townsend, the hope was that Todorovic could get by on things like strength and durability—attributes that do not necessarily pop on film but can guide a prospect through a surprising amount of rough going. The Serbian’s January bout against Punahele Soriano was a bit worrying, however. It took a ton of offense for Soriano to put Todorovic away, but the fight itself showed that the Secutor product may have some issues dictating his fights against the higher level of athletes the UFC has to offer. He will look to rebound against a late replacement and UFC newcomer in Rodrigues, who rides two straight knockout wins into this Octagon debut.

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Rodrigues’ loss to Jordan Williams on DWCS in September remains a bit concerning, but Brazil’s “Robocop” has an offense-first mindset and knack for finishing that should at least make him a tough out for whoever he faces inside the UFC. There is a solid chance that Rodrigues can tag Todorovic, but it took an unholy beating for Soriano to put him away, so the Serbian can likely survive any tough going and neutralize the promotional rookie on his way to an ugly win. The pick is Todorovic via decision.

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