Dustin Jacoby vs. Darren Stewart Odds, Preview and Prediction, (August 28): UFC

Credit: photo by Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Odds

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Preview

The Light Heavyweight division features a clash between former Glory Kickboxer Dustin Jacoby and Darren Stewart. Jacoby is making the most of his second stint in the UFC, as he’s gone 2-0-1 in three fights since returning to the promotion in 2020. In his most recent fight, Jacoby overcame a tumultuous first round, only to storm back to earn a draw. Meanwhile, Darren Stewart has had a rough go of it of late. In his last three fights, the ‘Dentist’ has lost two and had a no contest in the other. The newly Light Heavyweight has yet to show that moving up a weight class was the right choice.

Prediction

Due to the inconsistencies of Darren Stewart, this fight is a hard one to predict. Dustin Jacoby is a pure striker, whose takedown defense is problematic. Due to this, Jacoby likes to keep his opponents at a distance. From there, he mixes his striking with leg kicks at a high output. While Jacoby has power, it’s more via accumulation than from a single strike. The one thing I’ve noticed from Jacoby is that his cardio isn’t necessarily that good, but more so the opponents he’s faced thus far lack such. This leads me to Stewart, who I believe has better cardio and the wrestling necessary to cause Jacoby fits. The problem is if Stewart’s strength doesn’t translate over to Light Heavyweight. If he can’t take Jacoby down, he could very well get picked apart on the feet.

As for a prediction, and against my better judgement, I’m going with the underdog in Stewart. Sometimes the ‘Dentist’ surprises you and fights to his abilities. If Stewart goes out there and strikes, most likely he loses that battle. However, if he wrestles and maintains top control, then this is his fight to win. So with that said, I’ll say Stewart wins via decision.

PICK: Darren Stewart (+150)

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