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UFC Fight Night: Cannonier vs. Imavov - Cody Stamann vs. Taylor Lapilus Preview and Prediction

On June 8, 2024, the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, KY, will witness an exciting bantamweight clash between Cody Stamann and Taylor Lapilus at UFC Fight Night: Cannonier vs. Imavov. This bout features the seasoned wrestler Stamann against the versatile and skilled Lapilus. Here’s a comprehensive preview of both fighters and a prediction for the fight.

Cody Stamann

• Height/Weight: 5' 6", 139 lbs
• Record: 21-6-1 (7 TKO, 2 SUB)
• Team: Michigan Top Team
• Nickname: The Spartan
• Stance: Orthodox

Strengths:

Cody Stamann is known for his exceptional wrestling and relentless pace. Training out of Michigan Top Team, Stamann combines solid grappling skills with striking fundamentals, making him a well-rounded and durable competitor in the bantamweight division. His ability to control opponents on the ground and impose his will is a significant aspect of his game.

Recent Performance:

Stamann’s recent fights have been a mixed bag. He earned a unanimous decision win over Luan Lacerda in January 2023 and a first-round TKO victory against Eddie Wineland in June 2022. However, he has faced tough losses against top-tier fighters like Douglas Silva de Andrade and Said Nurmagomedov. Stamann’s resilience and experience against high-level competition make him a formidable opponent.

Taylor Lapilus

• Height/Weight: 5' 6", 136 lbs
• Record: 19-4-0 (4 TKO, 6 SUB)
• Team: MMA Factory
• Nickname: Double Impact
• Stance: Southpaw

Strengths:

Taylor Lapilus, training out of MMA Factory in France, is a dynamic and well-rounded fighter. Known for his versatility, Lapilus has an impressive blend of striking and submission skills. His southpaw stance, coupled with his technical proficiency, allows him to effectively manage distance and exploit his opponents' weaknesses.

Recent Performance:

Lapilus has showcased his skills with notable victories, including a unanimous decision win over Caolán Loughran in September 2023 and a first-round TKO against Demarte Pena in April 2022. Despite a recent loss to Farid Basharat in January 2024, Lapilus has proven his ability to compete at a high level and adapt to different challenges in the octagon.

Prediction:

This bantamweight bout is set to be an intriguing battle of styles. While Cody Stamann brings relentless wrestling and control, Taylor Lapilus’s versatility and technical skills give him the edge in this matchup.

Lapilus’s southpaw stance and striking diversity will pose significant problems for Stamann, who might struggle to close the distance effectively. Lapilus has demonstrated excellent takedown defense and the ability to get back to his feet, which will be crucial against a wrestler like Stamann.

Furthermore, Lapilus’s submission skills provide an additional threat on the ground, making it risky for Stamann to engage in prolonged grappling exchanges. Lapilus’s ability to mix strikes and maintain a high pace will likely overwhelm Stamann as the fight progresses.

Expect Lapilus to use his footwork and striking to keep Stamann at bay, landing effective counterstrikes and avoiding takedown attempts. His well-rounded skill set and tactical approach will be the key to securing a victory.

Pick: Taylor Lapilus ML -250

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