Preview: UFC Fight Night 202 Prelims

Tom FeelyFeb 23, 2022

Sign up for ESPN+ right here, and you can then stream the UFC, PFL, Dana White’s Contender Series and “The Ultimate Fighter” live on your smart TV, computer, phone, tablet or streaming device via the ESPN app.

Flyweights

NR | Carlos Hernandez (7-1, 0-0 UFC) vs. NR | Victor Altamirano (10-1, 0-0 UFC)

ODDS: Hernandez (-125), Altamirano (+105)

The UFC continues to finally flesh out its men’s flyweight division, as these two recent Dana White’s Contender Series graduates square off in what figures to be a fun scrap. Mexico’s Altamirano was the winner of a fight that saw both men get awarded contracts by UFC President Dana White, as he and Carlos Candelario came together for a three-round war that saw “El Magnifico” take the split decision. Altamirano has an interesting approach, if only because it is seemingly a given that he will get taken down multiple times over the course of his fights. While he might not be technically perfect, he has also consistently been able to fight from his back and set a pace that usually allows him to outwork and outlast his opponents. Chicago’s Hernandez is much more of a standard prospect that can do a bit of everything. He is a much more potent finisher on the mat, but Hernandez has a well-rounded approach and has proven able to hold his own if a fight takes place on the feet. He can also fight at a pace with no issue, so this figures to be a war that goes anywhere and kicks off both men’s UFC careers in impressive fashion. Hernandez looks to be the harder hitter and technically tighter fighter, but Altamirano has also proven to be a tough competitor to doubt given what he has been able to gut out so far. This is a coinflip. The pick is Hernandez via decision.