Nick Maximov vs Cody Brundage Odds, Preview and Prediction, September 25 (9/25): UFC

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Odds

Key stats

Preview

A Middleweight bout features two UFC debutants, as Nick Maximov takes on Cody Brundage. Maximov enters this fight undefeated, having most recently won on Dana White’s Contender Series. The Nick Diaz Academy product has predominantly fought at Light Heavyweight, but will be making his foray into the Middleweight division for his debut. Meanwhile, Brundage is taking this fight on four days' notice. Originally, Karl Roberson was to stand opposite Nick Maximov, but an illness forced him out of the bout. Brundage enters this fight off a victory back in February.

Prediction

This should be a pure wrestling match, as both men fancy themselves as such. From the tape I’ve seen, Nick Maximov isn’t necessarily a great wrestler, more than he is a determined one. He offers little to no standup, often avoiding exchanging on the feet. Also, up until fighting Oscar Cota on DWCS, Maximov had fought four opponents with a combined record of 2-14. Not that Cody Brundage has fought top competition, but it’s been more appropriate with one coming up the ranks. A division II collegiate wrestler, Brundage is the more credentialed of the two. However, that doesn’t always mean the better MMA wrestler. The worry in this fight I have for Brundage is if he has the cardio to go a hard fifteen. Taking this fight on such short notice means a big weight cut, which is emotionally and physically draining in itself. 

As for a prediction, and against my better judgement, I’m going to pick Cody Brundage. While I definitely see a scenario where he gasses out and Maximov takes over, I’m banking on Brundage to be the better wrestler and striker. As long as he has enough steam, I believe that Brundage can find a way to finish Maximov. I suppose my gripe with Maximov is he hasn't faced anyone relevant yet and this is his real first test. So with that said, on a whim, I predict that Brundage wins via TKO.

PICK: Cody Brundage (+140)

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