Preview: UFC 268 Prelims

Featherweights

NR | Melsik Baghdasaryan (6-1, 1-0 UFC) vs. NR | Bruno Souza (10-1, 0-0 UFC)

ODDS: Baghdasaryan (-300), Souza (+250)

Baghdasaryan is an interesting prospect, but it is difficult to know what to make of “The Gun” just yet. A former kickboxer, Baghdasaryan made a brief entry into mixed martial arts that consisted of one loss in 2014, then made his full-time return to the sport in 2019, knocking out four opponents in just 62 seconds. Of course, those wins came against just about the worst level of competition possible, but it was enough to get Baghdasaryan to Dana White’s Contender Series, where he scored a solid win over Dennis Buzukja, getting off to a blistering start before exhausting late and hanging on for the decision. That gas tank is still a concern, but Baghdasaryan’s proper UFC debut against Collin Anglin in July provided some hope that he is working things out. After another hot start, Baghdasaryan was at least able to hold his power enough to score a knockout in the second round. Baghdasaryan looks to keep building on that performance against a late replacement and UFC newcomer in Souza, who is fresh off winning the Legacy Fighting Alliance featherweight championship. Souza is a Lyoto Machida protege, and that paints a clear picture of the Brazilian’s approach. “The Tiger” is a long striker who would rather stay at range and snipe at his opponents. Souza is playing with some thin margins even this far into his career. While Souza could still find some success in the UFC, Baghdasaryan does not seem like a particularly forgiving opponent, particularly given the Brazilian’s tendency to get hit early in his fights. If Souza survives the first five minutes this could get interesting, but the pick is Baghdasaryan via opening-round knockout.

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