Preview: UFC Fight Night 234 Prelims

Welterweights

Matthew Semelsberger (11-6, 5-4 UFC) vs. Preston Parsons (10-4, 1-2 UFC)

ODDS: Semelsberger (-125), Parsons (+105)

A fascinating fight comes together here between two welterweights looking to build some momentum. Semelsberger was a 2020 signing that came a bit out of left field, but “Semi The Jedi” has put together some impressive moments during his UFC career, showing the ability to truck overmatched opposition while also keeping pace in some tough fights. Beyond his physical gifts, it is still a bit hard to nail down where Semelsberger is at his best. Semelsberger’s biggest win to date, a 2022 decision victory over Jake Matthews, was a bit of a perfect storm in terms of facing an opponent who would allow the Marylander to take his time and pick his shots. Things have been a bit dicier against opponents willing to force the issue, as 2023 saw Semelsberger get outwrestled by Jeremiah Wells and suffer a come-from-behind knockout loss to Uros Medic. Semelsberger has still put together some strong moments during those defeats, but given that he is a fighter in need of experience, a two-fight losing streak does raise some worries that he will not have the margin for error to learn on the job in the UFC.

While Semelsberger has a game that still seems to be coming together, Parsons has no such issue, as he fights with a focused approach that lives up to his “Pressure” nickname. Parsons is a dogged wrestler with some grappling chops, and that is essentially the entirety of his game, for better or for worse. Parsons does tend to tire over the course of three rounds, but he also fights well enough through exhaustion that it does not affect his approach much. Unless he gets absolutely nuked, Parsons should be able to find success hunting for takedowns, though it is unclear what he can accomplish against Semelsberger on the mat. Parsons might just grind out a win, but the bet is that Semelsberger can find enough big moments of offense to offset his opponent’s control and win rounds, even if this figures to be a grimy fight. The pick is Semelsberger via decision.

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