Preview: UFC on ESPN 23 Prelims

Tom FeelyApr 29, 2021

Middleweights

NR | Andreas Michailidis (12-4, 0-1 UFC) vs. NR | K.B. Bhullar (8-1, 0-1 UFC)

ODDS: Michailidis (-250), Bhullar (+210)

When Bhullar made his UFC debut in October, the Canadian was essentially a mystery man. There was a clear lack of footage available on “The Bengal,” particularly after his 2018 return after a five-year absence from the sport. What little there was showed that he had a large frame and a decent enough pressure game, but Bhullar’s UFC debut did not add much clarity. He showed some solid striking tools for about a minute and a half before getting knocked out by Tom Breese. Greece’s Michailidis is also looking to rebound from an unsuccessful UFC debut. “The Spartan” is mostly a range striker who throws power, often mixing in some unorthodox spinning strikes in the process. That led him to a solid regional record, but he suffered his own first-round knockout loss in his UFC debut, getting stopped by Modestas Bukauskas in a late-notice light heavyweight bout. Bhullar’s size could cause the EFL Academy rep some issues, but it is difficult not to favor Michailidis as the much more proven and seemingly much more powerful fighter. The pick is Michailidis via second-round knockout.

Finish Reading » Sanders vs. Colares