Preview: UFC Fight Night 213 Prelims

Flyweights

Carlos Mota (8-1, 0-0 UFC) vs. Cody Durden (13-4-1, 2-2-1 UFC)

ODDS: Mota (-180), Durden (+155)

Durden’s UFC career will likely wind up best remembered for what were construed as xenophobic comments following his November win over Qileng Aori, but he is a solid fighter when it comes purely to the action inside of the cage. Durden’s pre-UFC career showed a relatively straightforward boxer and wrestler who could turn an athletic advantage into an impressive finish, which has come through at times during his run inside the Octagon. However, that has also cut the other way, as standout athlete Muhammad Mokaev and talented submission artist Jimmy Flick were each able to meet Durden head-on and quickly score a win of their own. That makes for an interesting pairing against a Brazilian newcomer in Mota, who steps in on days’ notice for a clearly deserved UFC shot. Mota has some grappling skill, but he would mostly prefer to bang things out; and it is not a bad idea, given that his regional career has shown a successful ability to blend both power and consistent volume over multiple rounds. It will be interesting to see how much success Durden can find with his wrestling—opponents have sometimes managed to control Mota—but this looks like a tough pairing for the Covington, Georgia, native, assuming his opponent steps in anywhere near his usual form. There is the chance of an early knockout, along with the worry that Durden’s tendency to flag over time leaves him open to eat some brutal offense by the third round. The pick is Mota via first-round knockout.

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