Preview: UFC 323 Prelims

Light Heavyweights

Iwo Baraniewski (6-0, 0-0 UFC) vs. Ibo Aslan (14-3, 2-2 UFC)

BETTING ODDS: Baraniewski (-185), Aslan (+154)

Turkey’s Aslan seemed to have some potential as a light heavyweight gatekeeper at the very least. “The Last Ottoman” continually showed off some impressive knockout power and displayed some nascent ability to pick his spots and manage his gas tank. After a few knockouts to start his UFC career, Aslan’s upward trajectory stopped in February, when he got tapped in under three minutes by Ion Cutelaba. That result seems to have gotten in Aslan’s head, as his attempted rebound performance against Billy Elekana was absolutely terrible. Both men were tentative, with Aslan being cautious to a shocking degree. He definitely needs a course correction here, as he welcomes Baraniewski to the UFC.

The Polish newcomer is another fighter who looks to get his business done early. Baraniewski’s career thus far is about what you would expect from a raw light heavyweight prospect, as he has racked up a series of quick finishes against overmatched competition. Baraniewski starts hot and can wrestle a bit, which at this point should be enough to get by Aslan. The reeling Aslan could easily knock out the UFC newcomer, but he would need to rediscover his willingness to throw first. The pick is Baraniewski via first-round stoppage.

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