Preview: UFC on ESPN 19 Prelims

After an endless string of submission attempts, @jimmyflick put Nate Smith away in the final round #DWCS pic.twitter.com/qNC1eCqB8Y

— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) September 2, 2020

Flyweights

NR | Jimmy Flick (15-5, 0-0 UFC) vs. NR | Cody Durden (11-2-1, 0-0-1 UFC)

ODDS: Flick (-165), Durden (+145)

Flick was one of the highlights from this year’s edition of Dana White’s Contender Series. “The Brick” sticks to his strengths, as he immediately looks to take the action to the mat and chain together a dizzying array of submissions. Flick has proven himself enough at the regional level that he is more than just a curiosity, but it will be interesting to see how the Oklahoman fares against the better athletes the UFC’s flyweight division provides. That starts here against Durden, who cuts down from a late-notice promotional debut at bantamweight in August. His draw against Chris Gutierrez went under the radar, but Durden is an interesting—if extremely raw—prospect who is building out his game around a powerful and aggressive wrestling attack. The Covington, Georgia, native could certainly give Flick some issues early thanks to his athletic advantages, but the fight against Gutierrez did show that Durden has some cardio issues when he cannot finish his opponent early. Flick should be able to wear out Durden with his constant activity and eventually find a finish. The pick is Flick via third-round submission.

Continue Reading » Topuria vs. Jackson