UFC Fight Night: Uriah Hall vs. Sean Strickland is all set to take place this Saturday, July 31, 2021. While the UFC fans are eager to see the outcome of the main event fight between Hall and Strickland, there are plenty of other intriguing bouts happening at the event. One such bout is the welterweight clash between Niklas Stolze and Jared Gooden.

Stolze is coming off a unanimous decision loss in his last fight (also his UFC debut) against Ramazan Emeev at UFC on ESPN 14: Whittaker vs. Till. Before that, the ‘Green Mask’ was on a four-fight win streak, where he secured two submissions and one T/KO victory. 

Meanwhile, Gooden is coming off two back-to-back unanimous decision losses against Abubakar Nurmagomedov at UFC 260 and Alan Jouban at UFC 255. Before that, the ‘Nite Train’ was on a three-fight win streak, where he secured two submissions and one T/KO victory.

Both Niklas Stolze and Jared Gooden will aim to turn their last skids in their welterweight bout this weekend.

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Niklas Stolze vs. Jared Gooden: Analysis

Stolze, who last fought on July 26, 2020, is stepping inside the octagon after a year-long layoff. On the flipside, Gooden’s last fight was on March 28, 2021. However, as Gooden is on a two-fight skid, Stolze may still be in the driver’s seat. 

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Both Stolze and Gooden are elite submission grapplers having a takedown accuracy of 100%. However, Gooden has a superior takedown defense of 83% against Stolze’s 66%. The ‘Nite Train’ also has a 3″ reach advantage as he has a reach of 77″, while the ‘Green Mask’ has a reach of 74″.

Though reach will help Gooden land from the outside, Stolze, with his great switch stance technique, can overcome this statistical disadvantage. This outstanding switch stance technique might spell trouble for Gooden as his opponent will be a moving target. A misstep may see him fall prey to a takedown.

Moreover, the ‘Green Mask’ can finish his opponents early in the first round as well as go to the distance if needed. The same thing can be said about Jared Gooden as well. Hence, fans will not be disappointed as they tune in to watch this bout.

Final Prediction: Niklas Stolze via submission in the second round.

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