Preview: UFC Seattle Prelims

Welterweights

Nikolay Veretennikov (12-5, 0-1 UFC) vs. Austin Vanderford (12-2, 0-0 UFC)

ODDS: Veretennikov (-160), Vanderford (+135)

Given that this 175-pound catchweight fight is only coming together on a few days’ notice, it’s a solid addition to the card. Vanderford’s promotional debut is long overdue, as he looked good earning a win on the Contender Series in 2018, only for the UFC to surprisingly pass on offering him a contract. Instead, “The Gentleman” landed in Bellator, marching to title contention as an effective wrestler and grappler. However, once Vanderford did earn a title shot, things quickly went south, as Gegard Mousasi was able to quickly neutralize him and knock him out. A follow-up bout against Aaron Jeffery went much the same way, after which Vanderford parted ways with Bellator and looked good in a return to the regional scene. Now at welterweight, Vanderford looks capable of playing a much more effective bully, even if he’s unlikely to navigate his way to contender status. Vanderford looks to get a forgiving matchup in Veretennikov, another DWCS alum. Unlike Vanderford, Veretennikov lost in his effort to earn a contract, although that defeat to current surging prospect Michael Morales has aged particularly well. After the Contender Series, Veretennikov proved capable of slowly breaking down his opponents on the regional scene, but his UFC debut was a bit worrisome in terms of being able to pull that off against better competition. His split decision loss to Danny Barlow was a flat affair in which neither man did much to press the issue or pull the trigger. Vanderford should get off to a hot start and take things from there. The pick is Vanderford via decision.

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