Preview: UFC Fight Night 224 Prelims

Heavyweights

Michael Parkin (6-0) vs. Jamal Pogues (10-3)
Odds: Pogues (-155), Parkin (+135)

The UFC's hunt for heavyweight talent continues, and two prospects still on the right side of 30 look to make a statement here. Pogues earning a contract on the Contender Series last year was a bit surprising, as he didn't have the type of electric performance that usually makes the UFC take notice. But that win, along with his February victory over Josh Parisian in his UFC debut, showed that Pogues has some potential even in unexciting fights; he can strike and he can wrestle, doing enough of each to neutralize his opponents and slowly work his way towards a win. Pogues popped a lot more as a light heavyweight, where he was able to bully opponents much more effectively, but it looks like he's staying at heavyweight for good. Next up is UFC newcomer Parkin, who also earned a contract on the Contender Series last year, scoring a quick submission that was one of his better recent performances. Parkin is a massive man that looks to get to work smothering his opponents, but his last few wins had gotten a bit dicey before the Englishman walked away with the win. Parkin's ability to find a finish while on top of his opponents does make this a more dangerous opponent for Pogues than his last few, but in general this feels a lot like the fight against Parisian that Pogues just won, with the additional wrinkle of Parkin being less proven in terms of taking his cardio into the later rounds. The pick is Pogues via ugly decision.

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