Preview: UFC 294 Prelims

Bantamweights

Javid Basharat (14-0, 3-0 UFC) vs. Victor Henry (23-6, 2-1 UFC)

ODDS: Basharat (-535), Henry (+400)

The UFC’s bantamweight division continues to be an embarrassment of riches, as two unranked fighters match up for what would be the best bout on some cards. After earning a contract on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2021, Basharat established himself as a prospect to watch in 2022. “The Snow Leopard” came into the UFC possessing a wealth of offensive dynamism, but there was some worry as to how his approach would hold up against better competition. Even if Basharat could cause damage, his style bordered on overconfident at times, leaving open the potential that a dangerous opponent could catch him unawares. However, Basharat handled exactly that type of dangerous veteran in Trevin Jones, and after a well-rounded performance over Tony Gravely that let him show some new wrinkles, it looks like he has enough poise and durability to be a problem even in one of the UFC’s deepest divisions. Surprisingly, Basharat’s first fight of 2023 came against a promotional newcomer in Mateus Mendonca, which saw him score a clear decision win after some early trouble. This time around is a much more even fight against Henry, who came to the UFC as a finished product in 2022. “La Magnosta” had over a decade of pro experience before getting the late-notice call. As such, it was not necessarily a surprise that Henry hit the ground running, scoring an upset win of Raoni Barcelos on the back of a pace-heavy performance. Henry has looked to drown his opponents in striking volume in his two fights since, with mixed results. Raphael Assuncao put in a classic veteran performance to neutralize most of his offense, but Henry rebounded with a win over Gravely in March—even if it was a surprise to see him start to flag late in a tough fight. Both men are going to get the fight they want against an opponent willing to trade, which makes this a bit hard to parse. Henry sets the higher pace, but Basharat is working with more tools as a slicker defensive fighter. Basharat is the larger man and also more willing to mix things up and shoot for a takedown, even if Henry’s grappling skill makes it unlikely for that to be a path to victory on its own. This might just come down to who tires first, which is a question mark, as both men have solid but not unbreakable gas tanks. Basharat might not be able to match Henry’s pace in a pure striking match, but like Gravely, he might be able to make up for that by mixing in some wrestling. This is a pure toss-up, so the lean goes to the fighter with better physical gifts. The pick is Basharat via decision.

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