UFC Vegas 69: Ovince Saint Preux Gets Back to Work

UFC Vegas 69: Mixed Results for Saint Preux

Mid-2020 produced a great KO of Alonso Menifield for Saint Preux. While walking backward, the veteran slept Menifield badly, showing that he could still produce great results. In his bout with current Light Heavyweight champion-Jamahal Hill, ‘OSP’ still put on a very fun fight and gave Hill a real test despite losing in his efforts. After another loss at 265 pounds, the Haitian American grinded out a split decision win over an old rival in Shogun Rua. Saint Preux has not won two fights in a row since 2017, a win this Saturday would prove a lot to MMA fans. This is certainly a high-stakes bout, and it won’t be easy. 

Ovince Saint Preux Gets Back to Work! Can Monstro Take Advantage? 

The Brazilian in Lins, is a striker, with a 100 percent takedown defense rate in the UFC so far. Getting into the UFC late, Lins is looking to make the most of every opportunity. Lins did that in his last bout, shutting Marcin Pachnio down in key moments to win a 29-28 decision. While he is a striker, he is more than willing to work the cage and ice his opponent. Lins is also well sized for 205 lbs., having a big frame, and being hard to muscle around. This is Lin’s fight to win. 

UFC Vegas 69: Match up and Implications 

This bout will see ‘OSP’ fighting in his classic southpaw stance, looking to keep Lins on the outside, and trying to find a big shot. It’s not out of the question for Saint Preux to fight slow, as he did in his last bout, but he needs to get ahead on the scorecards and stay there. Lins has a very legitimate path to victory in icing Saint Preux early and getting ahead on the scorecards. 

There is also a question as to if ‘OSP’ will look to work in the ground game in this fight. Likely, there won’t be a takedown on his side, as Lins sports a great takedown defense, and Saint Preux has been shy in terms of firing takedowns. There will probably be a lot of work on the fence, considering Saint Preux’s willingness to give up the center. 

Despite there being no ranking on the line, this feels like a high-stakes bout. A loss would leave a big question mark on the future of both fighters, with Lins being far into the wrong side of 30, and negative in the promotion. Saint Preux on the other hand has not been consistent in a very long time, both fighters have a lot to prove. It’s a real fork in the road for both fighters, and it’s worth a watch to see how the path becomes clear. 

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