Preview: UFC Fight Night 192 Prelims

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Lightweights

NR | Zhu Rong (17-4, 0-1 UFC) vs. NR | Brandon Jenkins (14-6, 0-0 UFC)

ODDS: Rong (-330), Jenkins (+260)

This feels like an important spot for China’s Rong after a disappointing UFC debut. He looked like a promising prospect heading into his bout against Kazula Vargas in April. Rong is a solid athlete with good size for the division and flashed some knockout power and enough grappling ability to get by, at least at the lower tiers of the UFC level. Add in that Zhu is the youngest fighter on the roster, and the ceiling was thought to be high, with Vargas figuring to be a soft first entry into the Octagon. However, nothing went as planned, as Zhu put on a surprisingly gun-shy performance and did not show much of anything while coasting to a clear decision loss. He undoubtedly hopes to perform better against a late replacement and UFC newcomer. Jenkins typically adopts a patient approach, but “The Human Highlight Reel” can make a significant impression in his moments of offense, as evidenced by his flying knee knockout of Jacob Kilburn at a Professional Fighters League show in August. If Rong comes in looking like his old self, this is a relatively even fight; Jenkins is usually more than willing to give up the initiative and try to counter what his opponent brings to the table. Given that Zhu’s last performance and the fact that Jenkins is the larger fighter and harder hitter, the advantage has to go to the newcomer. The pick is Jenkins via decision.

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