Preview: UFC 258 Prelims

Have a night Ricky Simon!! @RickySimonUFC takes his time with Triangle and gets the sub#UFCFightIsland8 #InAbuDhabi @VisitAbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/qNqU3v9JS2

— UFC Canada (@UFC_CA) January 20, 2021

Featherweight

NR | Ricky Simon (17-3, 5-2 UFC) vs. NR | Brian Kelleher (22-11, 6-4 UFC)

ODDS: Simon (-250), Kelleher (+210)

It is no surprise that Kelleher took advantage of a chaotic 2020. For most of his UFC career, the Long Islander has made a name for himself by being willing to step in and fight on a quick turnaround. Kelleher’s fights tend to feature a kill-or-be-killed approach, which became apparent as soon as he hit the Octagon. He tapped Iuri Alcantara in his UFC debut before getting submitted in his next fight against Marlon Vera, with each fight only taking around two minutes. Kelleher usually settles into a groove if his fights go any length of time, but getting there is usually an adventure. He should have a barnburner here against Simon, who essentially knows no other way outside of all-out excitement. Simon’s best skill is his wrestling, but the most notable thing about his approach is his relentless aggression, which can both take over a fight or charge him right into trouble. Simon had a rough year in 2019, as he ran directly into a knockout punch from Urijah Faber and got handled by Rob Font, but he has turned around and looked as solid as ever in his last two fights. Simon’s constant pressure should prevent Kelleher from ever getting comfortable in this fight. However, there is always the caveat that Kelleher could find a sudden submission victory—because of his own skill and due to Simon’s lack of defensive mindfulness. Still, the pick is Simon via decision.

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