UFC Fight Night: Smith vs Spann will see a lightweight clash between Zhu Rong and Brandon Jenkins go down in the preliminary card of the event. Both fighters are looking to make a mark at the early stages of their UFC careers.
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The 21-year-old Chinese star, Rong, will make his second appearance inside the UFC Octagon against Jenkins. He lost a decision to Rodrigo Vargas in his UFC debut at UFC 261. Hence, he will be determined to make a mark at the big stage after coming from the regional circuits.
Jenkins, on the other hand, is set to make his UFC debut this weekend. He has fought in promotions like PFL MMA, LFA, and more in his career. The 29-year-old fighter will be determined to get off to an impressive start at the world’s best MMA organization.
Rong has a professional record of 17-4 with 15 finishes (11 T/KO and 4 submissions). Meanwhile, Jenkins has a record of 15-7 in his career. He rarely fails to match his moniker of ‘The Human Highlight Reel’, as he has claimed 13 finishes in his career (10 T/KO and 3 submissions).
Zhu Rong vs Brandon Jenkins: Analysis
Jenkins is stepping up on short notice to make his UFC debut after Rong’s original opponent Dakota Bush pulled out from the card. That might play a big role in deciding the outcome of the fight.
However, Rong didn’t look too impressive on his debut. As he was very hesitant to let his hands go in that fight, it eventually cost him the decision. Whether he has taken the necessary lesson from that fight remains to be seen.
Rong has already experienced the feeling of fighting under the bright lights of the UFC. Jenkins, despite being a seasoned veteran, doesn’t necessarily possess the experience of fighting high-caliber opponents. Hence, Rong might just exploit that in his favor and eventually earn a decision on the scorecards.
Final Prediction: Zhu Rong by decision.
Who do you think will leave the UFC APEX with a win on UFC Fight Night: Smith vs Spann?
