UFC Fight Night is back at the APEX, and it’s being headlined by a ranked middleweight clash that will elevate one man’s stock for a potential title shot at middleweight champion, Sean Strickland.
This will be Paul Craig’s second fight since dropping from Light Heavyweight to Middleweight, and the Scottish-born animal is opening as the underdog.
On the other side of the cage, you’ve got Brendan “All In” Allen, he’s on a five-fight win streak and he doesn’t look like slowing down.
Can Craig prove the doubters like me wrong, or will Allen continue his path of dominance?
Our full UFC Fight Night: Allen vs Craig Tips & Preview can be found below.
Brendan Allen vs Paul Craig
Tip: Brendan Allen via Submission or Points @ TBC
Brendan “All In” Allen comes into his second main event of 2023 with five straight wins, including 4 by way of submission.
This will be helpful coming up against Paul Craig, who has shown a history of submission wins.
“All In” will need to prove to the matchmakers that he’s meant to have the big fights and he hasn’t been shy when it comes to calling out big fighters.
But if you want the big fights, you need some big wins under your belt, you need the top 10, top 5 or even a former champion.
I believe Brendan Allen does not tick any of those boxes by stepping into the octagon with Paul Craig but nonetheless, it will be a great bout to watch.
There’s no slowing down for the submission specialist and I believe he will continue his great run and make it a six-fight win streak this Sunday.
Michael Morales vs Jake Matthews
Tip: Jake Matthews via KO/TKO or Points @ TBC
Aussie Welterweight Jake Matthews has alternated wins and losses over his last five bouts, but he’s chasing his first winning streak since 2020 when he squares off with the undefeated Michael Morales.
Matthews is coming off a submission victory against Darrius Flowers in July, which is a boost in confidence for the unranked 28-year-old, after losing to Matthew Semelsberger 11 months ago.
Morales on the other hand is putting his unbeaten record on the line this Sunday and I believe it will be a devastating finish that can take out the Performance of The Night.
In their combined 34 wins in MMA, they’ve had 25 finishes, including 11 in the first round.
I see great value in the fighting pride of Australia, Jake Matthews securing the win by way of KO/TKO or Points.
Chase Hooper vs Jordan Leavitt
Tip: Chase Hooper to win via KO/TKO @ TBC
An entertaining Lightweight bout is expected when Chase “The Dream” Hooper steps inside the octagon.
Hooper is 4-3 in the UFC while Jordan Leavitt is 4-2 with one decision win each.
Hooper signed to the UFC at only 20 years of age, he was alternating wins and losses with those victories made possible thanks to his remarkable grappling ability.
Now 24, The Dream has gone up a weight class to lightweight in his most recent fight, and he’s shown off an extensive skill set, outclassing Nick Fiore on the feet.
Analysing this bout, I expect Hooper to perform significantly better as a lightweight now being closer to the natural size, which is no longer leaving him vulnerable to being bullied by stronger and more physical opponents.
Chase will be walking into this fight with a height advantage of four inches and a three-inch reach advantage.
Taking that into factor, I think Chase “The Dream” Hooper will make it a two-fight win streak and I see great value in him winning by way of knockout.
