Preview: UFC on ESPN 28 Prelims

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Bantamweights

NR | Ronnie Lawrence (7-1, 1-0 UFC) vs. NR | Trevin Jones (13-6, 1-0 UFC)

ODDS: Lawrence (-145), Jones (+125)

The coronavirus pandemic allowed a lot of veteran fighters to get a late-notice UFC chance when they otherwise would not have had the opportunity to do so, and Jones may have taken advantage of that window better than anyone. He stepped in on days’ notice in August to take on Timur Valiev in what figured to be a losing battle. Jones put together a solid career while trotting the globe over the last decade, but Valiev came into the fight regarded as one of the best prospects available for the UFC to sign. Everything went as expected in the early going of the fight, with Valiev scoring a near-knockout that would have been called in most fights. However, Jones eventually charged back and scored a second-round stoppage in one of the biggest upsets in UFC history, even if the return was eventually overturned due to a positive test for marijuana. After scoring another knockout over Mario Bautista in March, the Guamanian is quickly gaining a reputation as a prospect killer. Here, he will look to live up to reputation once again.

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Lawrence was apparently one of UFC President Dana White’s favorite prospects on the last season of the Contender Series, which is a bit of a surprise. Lawrence is definitely a talent, but he has shown a tendency to lean on his wrestling, which is not exactly what the UFC boss typically finds entertaining. At any rate, Lawrence backs that wrestling game with an extremely fast range striking style, making him an entertaining watch when everything is clicking and an opponent has to keep up with his pace. Jones is capable of scoring his third straight upset. Lawrence’s reliance on leg kicks sometimes leaves him open for a huge counter, and while Jones does not rely on his wrestling much, he has proven to be effective on the mat up to a certain point. The bet is that Lawrence’s speed is enough to eventually find entries while staying out of trouble and that he can control enough of this fight on the mat to keep the advantage and avoid a knockout. The pick is Lawrence via decision.

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