UFC Fight Night 200: Preview and Predictions

The 200th in the UFC’s ‘Fight Night’ series is upon us and with it comes a fight card lacking in star power but one that should bring some fun fights along the way.

Headlined by a high-ranking middleweight clash between Jack Hermansson and Sean Strickland, Saturday’s event can also boast another look at welterweight prospect Shavrat Rakhmonov while Julian Erosa vs. Steven Peterson should be a frenetic main card opener.

Jack Hermansson (22-6) vs. Sean Strickland (24-3)

I do think that for all of Sean Strickland’s impressive performances in the middleweight division he has a ceiling but I don’t believe Jack Hermansson is it.

While Hermansson is a well-rounded fighter with his grappling being his stand-out characteristic, he does tend to struggle with consistently securing takedowns and Strickland has some really solid takedown defence.

Hermansson also isn’t the biggest hitter at 185 lbs, although he does possess a stiff jab, so I can’t see him troubling a fighter who is constantly moving forward and engaging like Strickland.

Whether Strickland’s volume and output will overwhelm Hermansson I’m not sure but I do think it will pick him up rounds and keep the momentum in his favour.

Pick: Sean Strickland

Punahele Soriano (8-1) vs. Nick Maximov (7-0)

Maximov is a Diaz brothers pupil but this is a marked step-up in competition.

Despite Soriano coming off of a loss, he’s a big hitter and someone who remains game for all 15 minutes.

Potentially Maximov can see a win coming via his grappling but I think this is too much too soon, especially when it comes to striking exchanges.

Pick: Punahele Soriano

Shavkat Rakhmonov (14-0) vs. Carlston Harris (17-4)

Harris is a fighter worth keeping an eye out for going forward as he’s the fun