This weekend hosts an electrifying rematch between Vicente Luque and Belal Muhammad. As fans recover from the action-packed event that was UFC 273, many of the fights on this upcoming card are getting overlooked, or “slept on”.
Similar to many of the fight night cards, even though there is not a lot of star power on paper, there is so much great talent listed from top to bottom. So, let’s take a look at three slept-on fights that have the potential to blow the fans away!
Miguel Baeza vs. Andre Fialho
Miguel Baeza (10-2) is coming off of only his second career loss where he was KO’d by Khaos Williams back in November of last year. Before the two losses, the standout striker was building a name for himself and many were saying he was going to be the face of Puerto Rican MMA, but do not let the losing streak derail his hype completely.
With immense raw talent, the potential is still high, especially considering that he trains at MMA Masters where top welterweight figure Colby Covington has recently moved to since leaving American Top Team, and the two have been training partners ever since. If there is anyone Baeza should look to improve alongside in this division, like him or not, Covington is one at the top of that list.
Facing Baeza is Andre Fialho (14-4) who trains out of Sandford MMA. He lost his UFC debut in January of this year to Michel Pereira in what was a back and forth striking affair where Fiahlo was very close to winning the unanimous decision himself. Fialho said in the prefight media interview that he wants to turn around in an impressive fashion and finish the fight within the first round. Expect this fight to be back and forth on the feet, where both these men want to bounce back with a statement victory and show the UFC and the fans that they are top fighters looking to break into the rankings.
Mounir Lazzez vs. Ange Loosa
Unfortunately, it will not be the explosive striking affair that was originally scheduled, with Elizeu Zaleski Dos Santos pulling out two weeks ago. Mounir Lazzez (10-2) will take on all comers to show the world he is one of the most exciting fighters out there and saying in his prefight interview that “he is one of the best contenders in the world”. With his last fight being a TKO loss to Warly Alves, Lazzez wants to impress and perform to his highest ability.
Stepping in for his UFC debut is Ange Loosa (8-2), who appeared on Dana White’s Contender Series last September where he ultimately lost by decision. Loosa is coming off of a win against former UFC-vet John Howard at XMMA 4, and that will be exactly two weeks ago once he steps into the octagon. Another fighter out of Sandford MMA, Loosa is a close training partner and friend of welterweight champ and pound for pound #1 fighter, Kamaru Usman. Loosa has raw power and explosion and will be looking to keep his good fortunes going and prove that he truly does belong in the UFC.
Chris Barnett vs. Martin Buday
In this heavyweight matchup, Chris Barnett (22-7) is coming back off of his ever-impressive step-over spinning hook kick KO victory over Gian Villante back at UFC 268 in November. Barnett has quickly become a fan favorite. Looking to capitalize on his viral victory, Barnett will be taking on UFC newcomer Martin Buday in one of the first fights on the card. A 6’4″ striker from Slovakia, Buday (9-1), is ready to begin his UFC career and start it off on a high note. In what should be a striking affair throughout, it will be interesting to see if Barnett can continue his winning ways at the highest level or if Buday will be able to prove there is a new young prospect in the heavyweight division.
With the constant growth in the UFC’s depth, there is plenty of great and rising talent on every single card that is put on but little recognition compared to the stars. Be sure to check out this week’s UFC fight night and see how the sleepers do, as well as the rest of this weekend’s card!
Featured Image Credits to Embed from Getty Images
