Preview: UFC 282 ‘Blachowicz vs. Ankalaev’

Lightweight

Paddy Pimblett (19-3, 3-0 UFC) vs. Jared Gordon (19-5, 7-4 UFC)

ODDS: Pimblett (-250), Gordon (+210)

It remains unclear how much of Pimblett’s popularity is due to his in-cage success, but everyone may find out here as the Scouser fan favorite gets his toughest test to date. “The Baddy” had been talked about as a potential UFC signee for years, particularly around the time of the promotion’s 2018 card in Liverpool, England, but it was best for everyone involved that Pimblett took his time making it to the Octagon. He has taken those extra years to fill out as a much stronger athlete and make himself a more effective fighter. That includes his striking, which has improved more thanks to Pimblett’s aggression than any sort of technical form. He has become somewhat notorious for leaving his chin open as he attempts to rush his opponents, but that has served as an effective way to eventually get his fights to the ground, where Pimblett is at his best. Luigi Vendramini, Rodrigo Vargas and Jordan Leavitt each had their moments in Pimblett’s three UFC fights to date, but he has come away with the finish each time. This time around, he gets his first opponent clearly established at the UFC level.

Gordon has been through the prospect ringer, as the New Yorker had a strong resume heading into his 2017 UFC debut but struggled to find the immediate success that seemed all but assured. Gordon’s approach at the time was built around pressure and aggression that leveraged his durability, but “Flash” ran into multiple issues. He struggled to make weight as a featherweight, and lightweight opponents proved surprisingly able to crack Gordon’s chin and find a knockout. Thankfully, Gordon’s last few fights have seen him successfully blend successful offense with enough patience to stay aware defensively, even if he can still hit a wall against better athletes, as was the case in his April loss to Grant Dawson. Gordon is a solid wrestler who could control Pimblett on the mat at times. However, without Gordon having shown much in the way of finishing ability, the bet is that Pimblett can cause enough chaos over 15 minutes to find a big moment and get the ball rolling towards a stoppage. The pick is Pimblett via second-round submission.

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Blachowicz vs. Ankalaev
Pimblett vs. Gordon
Ponzinibbio vs. Morono
Du Plessis vs. Till
Topuria vs. Mitchell
The Prelims