Preview: UFC Fight Night 207 Prelims

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Lightweights

Benoit St. Denis (8-1, 0-1 UFC) vs. Niklas Stolze (12-5, 0-2 UFC)

ODDS: St. Denis (-160), Stolze (+140)

This should be an engaging scrap between two European prospects searching for their first UFC win. St. Denis had a memorable UFC debut against Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos in October, though not for the best reasons. St. Denis acquitted himself well enough in a gutsy three-round performance, but the fight itself was marred by some terrible refereeing, with inconsistent treatment of fouls and a clear non-stoppage as St. Denis nearly got knocked out. It all stained was an otherwise exciting bout. Despite taking a ton of unnecessary damage, France’s “God of War” is back seven months later against Stolze. Germany’s Stolze is a well-rounded fighter with a large frame, but “Green Mask” has hit a wall similar to many international talents before him. On the regional scene, he was able to rely on being a more powerful wrestler and clinch fighter, but he has found it tough going against better athletes. Admittedly, he got a particularly rough matchup in his UFC debut against the control-heavy stylings of Ramazan Emeev, but his last fight proved that Stolze also could not get away with the level of defense he showed in his pre-UFC career, as Jared Gooden starched him in a shade over a minute. That may not be as much of a concern in this one. St. Denis can be an aggressive striker, but that is mostly in the hopes of getting to an aggressive grappling game. Stolze is a solid athlete who can hold his own on the mat, so there is a chance he can turn things around in an ugly fight, as he did have his moments against Emeev. However, between being both the more durable fighter and likely having the initiative in any grappling exchanges, the Frenchman gets the nod. The pick is St. Denis via decision.

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