Preview: UFC on ESPN 21 Prelims

Bantamweights

NR | Montel Jackson (9-2, 3-2 UFC) vs. NR | Jesse Strader (5-1, 0-0 UFC)

ODDS: Jackson (-650), Strader (+475)

The UFC’s bantamweight division is loaded with talent, and Jackson might be the best under-the-radar prospect at 135 pounds. Jackson is someone to watch for his height and reach alone. With the frame of a fighter two or three divisions higher, Jackson has a ridiculously high ceiling as a range striker. At the moment, however, Jackson is more comfortable relying on his wrestling background, which leads to a clear through-line when going through his record. His two losses came to Ricky Simon and Brett Johns, the two opponents who could obviously outwrestle him and keep a pace for 15 minutes. Still, given that Jackson’s UFC debut was barely over a year after his first professional fight, it is impressive that he has had this much success in the Octagon thus far. After the Johns loss, Jackson should be able to rebound here against a UFC newcomer. Strader has a fairly thin resume, and he likely would have been better served by another year or two of seasoning before taking the UFC call. With that said, he still might be able to hang on the roster, as he is willing to press the action and does appear to have some solid knockout power. First there is this fight, and while the coronavirus pandemic has seen some late-notice replacements pull off some shocking upsets, Strader looks to be completely outgunned here. The pick is Jackson via second-round stoppage.

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