Preview: UFC 279 Prelims

Welterweights

Darian Weeks (5-2, 0-2 UFC) vs. Yohan Lainesse (8-1, 0-1 UFC)

ODDS: Weeks (-125), Lainesse (+105)

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If nothing else, perhaps Lainesse can continue his streak of enjoyable scraps. Montreal’s “White Lion” scored a quick knockout on the Contender Series to earn a UFC contract in November, which followed his usual trend. He is not the quickest fighter, but Lainesse constantly looks to push forward and impose his power on his opponents, usually with some thudding strikes. Lainesse’s UFC debut was not successful, as Gabriel Green was able to find a second-round stoppage, but both men stuck to their guns in terms of being their typically aggressive selves, resulting in a banger of a bout. It remains to be seen what he can drag out of Weeks, a talented if not particularly exciting prospect. Weeks has some physical talent in terms of athleticism and durability, as well as some solid ideas, but there just is not a lot of focus or aggression to his game. He has held his own against some solid competition, but it is hard to picture what a Weeks fight actually looks like, as he is usually content to let his opponents dictate everything and try to find a point where he can start outlasting them. That could be possible, but the bet is that even if Weeks eventually turns things around, Lainesse will have banked some offense and the Memphis, Tennessee, native will not be potent enough to actually score a finish. The pick is Lainesse via decision.

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