UFC 258- Usman vs Burns: Maki Pitolo vs Julian Marquez: Prediction and Analysis

UFC 258 is an extremely stacked card. From the main-event all the way down to the preliminary card, the UFC has left no stone unturned in making sure that fans have an action-packed card to look forward to. 

In the middleweight division, Maki Pitolo takes on a dangerous adversary in Julian Marquez. Both men are currently unranked in the UFC and will be hoping to take a step forward towards gaining a rank in the division with a positive result this weekend. 

Both fighters also succumbed to losses in their recent outings and will be aiming to bounce back into the win column at UFC 258. Heading into the fight, we take a closer look at the strengths and weaknesses of both fighters and a possible route to victory for both men involved in the fight. 

Read: Dana White believes Kamaru Usman is on his way to ‘GOAT Status’

Maki Pitolo vs Julian Marquez will be a cracker of a fight at UFC 258

Maki Pitolo made his UFC debut with a stunning TKO win over Justin Sumter on Dana White’s Contender Series in July 2019. Most recently, he succumbed to a unanimous decision loss to Impa Kasanganay in August 2020. He is currently on a two-fight skid and has not won a fight in the UFC since June 2020. 

Julian Marquez made his UFC debut with a stunning KO win over Phil Hawes on Dana White’s Contender Series in August 2017. Most recently, he succumbed to a split decision loss to Alessio Di Chirico in July 2018. After a long layoff, he will be aiming to get back into the octagon with a win. 

‘Coconut Bombz’ has secured 54% of his wins via T/KO. He has landed an explosive 4.2 significant strikes per minute. However, he has absorbed 3.21 significant strikes per minute, which will be dangerous against a power puncher in Marquez. 

Pitolo has also averaged 2.13 takedowns per 15 minutes and 0.71 submissions in the same time period. 

‘The Cuban Missile Crisis’ has secured a mind-boggling 86% of his wins via T/KO. He has landed an impressive 3.48 significant strikes per minute. However, he has absorbed a concerning 4.41 significant strikes per minute, which can be his downfall. 

Given recent form and performances, ‘The Cuban Missile Crisis’ should be able to secure a win at UFC 258. 

Prediction: Julian Marquez via T/KO