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UFC Fight Night: Cannonier vs. Imavov - John Castaneda vs. Daniel Marcos Preview and Prediction

On June 8, 2024, at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, KY, UFC Fight Night: Cannonier vs. Imavov will feature an intriguing bantamweight clash between John Castaneda and Daniel Marcos. Both fighters bring a mix of experience and undefeated momentum, promising an electrifying showdown. Let’s dive into their profiles and make a prediction for the outcome.

John Castaneda

• Height/Weight: 5' 6", 137 lbs
• Record: 21-6-0 (8 TKO, 6 SUB)
• Team: The Academy
• Nickname: Sexy Mexi
• Stance: Switch

Strengths:

John Castaneda, also known as "Sexy Mexi," is a well-rounded bantamweight fighter with a versatile fighting style. Training out of The Academy, Castaneda has demonstrated his ability to win both by striking and grappling. His switch stance allows him to adapt and present different looks to his opponents, making him a tricky fighter to prepare for.

Recent Performance:

Castaneda is coming off a unanimous decision win over Kyung Ho Kang in November 2023, following another unanimous decision victory over Muin Gafurov in June 2023. His recent performances have shown his durability and tactical acumen inside the octagon. Despite a loss to Daniel Santos in October 2022, Castaneda has bounced back strong and continues to be a threat in the bantamweight division.

Daniel Marcos

• Height/Weight: 5' 7", 136 lbs
• Record: 15-0-0 (8 TKO)
• Team: American Combat Gym
• Nickname: Soncora
• Stance: Orthodox

Strengths:

Daniel Marcos, nicknamed "Soncora," is an undefeated fighter hailing from Peru. Fighting out of American Combat Gym, Marcos has displayed a remarkable knack for finishing fights, with eight of his fifteen victories coming by way of TKO. His orthodox stance and striking power make him a formidable opponent in the bantamweight division.

Recent Performance:

Marcos' most recent fight was declared a no contest against Aoriqileng in February 2024. Before that, he secured a split decision win over Davey Grant in July 2023 and a second-round TKO victory against Saimon Oliveira in January 2023. Marcos’ undefeated record speaks volumes about his consistency and ability to overcome diverse challenges in the octagon.

Prediction:

This bantamweight bout promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both fighters bringing their unique skill sets to the octagon. While John Castaneda's experience and versatility make him a tough opponent, Daniel Marcos' unbeaten streak and striking prowess give him a slight edge.

Marcos’ ability to finish fights with his powerful striking will be a key factor in this matchup. His height and reach advantage will help him keep Castaneda at bay and dictate the pace of the fight. Additionally, Marcos’ undefeated record indicates a high level of confidence and momentum, which can be crucial in high-stakes bouts.

Castaneda’s switch stance and grappling skills pose a threat, but Marcos' striking precision and knockout power will likely overwhelm him. Marcos has shown he can handle pressure and deliver under challenging circumstances, which will be vital in this fight.

Expect Marcos to use his striking to control the distance and land significant blows, gradually wearing down Castaneda. His ability to maintain composure and capitalize on openings will lead to a decisive victory.

Pick: Daniel Marcos ML -110

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