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Bantamweights

Hunter Azure (9-1 | 2-1 UFC) vs. Jack Shore (13-0 | 2-0 UFC)
Odds: Shore (-150), Azure (+130)

It's a testament to the UFC's depth at bantamweight that these two prospects are coasting under the radar. Wales's Jack Shore came to the UFC with some rightful hype, and "Tank" has cleanly passed every test put in front of him. Shore has a solid process, feeling out his opponent on the feet early before moving into pressure and takedowns, and thus far he's had a clear ascent up the ranks regionally and into the UFC. Shore should wind up being a stalwart of the division for years to come at the very least, but the questions around him now are more around his ceiling and how high he can climb, particularly given that he's not an elite athlete. Hunter Azure should help answer some of those questions while having a decent shot at a win himself. Azure's an interesting talent, a decorated high school wrestler in Montana who saw his collegiate career get derailed due to injuries. That wrestling base remains the strongest part of his game, but he's built out a surprisingly solid combination striking arsenal that's buoyed by his power and athleticism. But that all comes with some clear drawbacks; Azure can leave himself open defensively, and the pace he keeps usually leads to him emptying out his gas tank. Azure should get out to the hotter start, and the most fascinating part of this fight is when that dynamic turns; Shore should pick up steam as the fight goes on and Azure tires, but if Azure simply proves too strong and talented of a wrestler for Shore to take down, Azure might be able to coast out a win. But given some of Azure's past fights and what Shore has shown to date, the call is for Shore to stage a strong comeback and get the win; the pick is Shore via third-round stoppage.

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