UFC 274 Sleeper Fights: Prelims Full of Bangers

Have no fear; throughout the UFC 274 prelims, there are quality matchups with many fighters on the rise and hoping to take their careers to the next level. Here are three of the best “slept” on fights for this weekend’s pay-per-view.

Brandon Royval vs. Matt Schnell

With a resurgence in the flyweight division, keep your eyes out for the third fight into the prelims. Where Brandon Royval (13-6, 3-2 UFC) takes on Matt “Danger” Schnell (15-5, 5-3), in a #6 vs #9 matchup.

Look for a fast-paced, scramble-heavy affair as these two submission specialists will look to gain the upper hand on the ground. With eight submission victories apiece, this fight can end in an instant if there is one lapse in focus or misjudgment takes place. With an exciting win and the current landscape of the division, one can easily continue to climb the rankings and start their claim for a title shot with a few more victories.

The future is bright for both fighters, and this is a big fight to determine who, in fact, is ready to take it to the next level in the division.

Khaos Williams vs. Randy Brown

In the second to last fight on the main prelims, for all you betting fans, here’s your pick’em.

Randy “Rude Boy” Brown (14-4, 8-4) at +100 takes on Khaos Williams (13-2, 4-1) at -120 in a welterweight bout that is sure to deliver fireworks. With eight of his victories by KO-TKO and a name like Khaos, a finish is not too far away whenever he steps inside the octagon.

“Rude Boy” is no stranger to ending fights early, with 11 of his victories ending by strikes or submissions. With such an even contest in this one, this may end shortly after it begins.

Tracy Cortez vs. Melissa Gatto

In the women’s flyweight division, this is the definition of a prospect matchup. Tracy Cortez (9-1, 3-0 UFC) takes on Melissa Gatto (8-0, 2-0 UFC) in a contest that could easily decide the trajectory of their UFC careers.

A win here for either woman keeps them climbing the ranks of their division and continuing to prove they are the future of the sport. A loss here by no means indicates there is no potential to flourish, but when two rising contenders go head to head, the winner shows they are ready for the next step.

A win here could enter the winner into the rankings and begin to step up the level of their competition, going from prospect to rising contender.

These two ladies could easily fight for a title in the coming years regardless of the outcome this weekend, but why not get in on the ground floor as this could be the launching pad into the next level rise.

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