Preview: UFC Fight Night 188 Prelims

Tom FeelyMay 20, 2021

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Flyweights

NR | Bruno Silva (11-5-2, 1-2 UFC) vs. NR | Victor Rodriguez (5-3, 0-1 UFC)

ODDS: Silva (-335), Rodriguez (+275)

It was nice to see Silva get a UFC win in his fourth try in March. Up to that point, Silva had faced some tough opposition inside the Octagon, and despite fighting with aggression and showing some smart game plans, “Bulldog” usually just found himself physically and athletically outgunned. However, he managed to show off his wares against J.P. Buys on route to a second-round knockout and steps in on a relatively quick turnaround to try and keep up that momentum. Rodriguez had some success in his native Alaska as a tough and willing scrapper, but he did not show much in terms of UFC-ready skill prior to getting a late-notice call for a debut against Adrian Yanez in October. Despite Rodriguez seeming to be game, Yanez was able to dispose of him in relatively short order. The main intrigue here is that this is Rodriguez’s first cut to flyweight. He has not looked particularly athletic during his career at featherweight and bantamweight, but there is the chance that something may click for him physically at 125 pounds. Otherwise, Silva has a clear skill advantage and should be able to take this fight to the mat at will. The pick is Silva via second-round stoppage.

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