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UFC Fight Night: Blanchfield vs. Fiorot - Dennis Buzukja vs. Connor Matthews Preview and Prediction

Get ready for a thrilling matchup in the featherweight division as Dennis "The Great" Buzukja takes on Connor "The Controller" Matthews at UFC Fight Night: Blanchfield vs. Fiorot, set to ignite the crowd at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ on March 30, 2024. With both fighters aiming to make a statement, let's analyze their fighting styles, recent performances, and predict the outcome of this exciting bout.

Dennis Buzukja - Serra-Longo Fight Team

• Height/Weight: 5' 9", 145 lbs
• Record: 11-4-0 (4 TKO, 1 SUB)
• Team: Serra-Longo Fight Team
• Stance: Switch

Strengths:

Dennis Buzukja is known for his versatility inside the cage, adept at switching stances and seamlessly transitioning between striking and grappling. With a solid record of knockout victories, Buzukja possesses significant power in his strikes, capable of ending the fight with a single blow. His experience against high-caliber opponents has honed his skills, making him a dangerous threat in the featherweight division.

Weaknesses:

Despite his impressive skill set, Buzukja has shown vulnerability to quick finishes, particularly against opponents with explosive striking capabilities. To secure victory against Connor Matthews, Buzukja must maintain a high level of defensive awareness and avoid getting drawn into striking exchanges where his opponent holds the advantage.

Connor Matthews - New England Cartel

• Height/Weight: 5' 8", 145 lbs
• Record: 7-1-0 (1 TKO, 5 SUB)
• Team: New England Cartel
• Stance: Switch

Strengths:

Connor Matthews possesses a formidable grappling arsenal, with the majority of his victories coming by way of submission. Trained under the esteemed New England Cartel, Matthews is known for his technical proficiency on the ground, utilizing his grappling skills to control and submit opponents. His ability to seamlessly transition between striking and grappling makes him a well-rounded threat in the featherweight division.

Weaknesses:

While Matthews excels in the grappling department, he has shown susceptibility to opponents with superior striking abilities. To emerge victorious against Buzukja, Matthews must be cautious of his opponent's power striking and look to implement his grappling expertise to dictate the pace of the fight.

Prediction:

In what promises to be an intriguing clash of styles, Connor Matthews holds the edge due to his exceptional grappling skills and ability to control the pace of the fight. Despite facing a formidable opponent in Buzukja, Matthews' experience and technical proficiency on the ground give him the tools to secure victory.

Expect Matthews to utilize his grappling prowess to nullify Buzukja's striking advantage and seek opportunities to take the fight to the ground. While Buzukja will pose a significant threat with his power striking, Matthews' ability to control the fight's tempo and capitalize on grappling exchanges will ultimately lead him to victory.

Pick: Connor Matthews ML -105