UFC 239: Jones vs. Santos - Predictions and Picks

#6 The Prelims: ESPN card

Does veteran Gilbert Melendez have anything left in the tank?

The show will have four preliminary fights on ESPN, although one has yet to be confirmed at the time of writing this preview as Marlon Vera’s original opponent Sean O’Malley has yet to be replaced, following a positive PED test.

In the headlining spot, Gilbert Melendez returns to face young prospect Arnold Allen at 145lbs. It seems harsh to say this but Melendez almost feels like one of the biggest busts in UFC history at this point; signed to a lucrative new deal in 2014, he’s since lost 4 fights in a row and hasn’t looked anywhere close to his earlier form. Allen is a technically excellent fighter in all areas and while he isn’t flashy, under the tutelage of Firas Zahabi he could go far. For me Melendez is just miles past his prime now and unless he can turn back the clock, this should be a nice “name” victory for the Brit. Allen by decision is my pick.

At Strawweight, Claudia Gadelha faces Randa Markos in what should turn out to be an intriguing fight to watch. Gadelha hasn’t fought since a surprising loss to Nina Ansaroff last December, a loss that knocked her off her perch as arguably the 3rd or at least 4th best 115lber in the world. At her best she’s an excellent grappler with a good striking game too, but after taking a lot of punishment in fights with Joanna Jedrzejczyk and Jessica Andrade, who knows what she’s got left? Markos meanwhile is a tremendous grappler but sheer inconsistency in her performances has always held her back. She looked excellent in submitting Angela Hill in her last fight, but unfortunately I just can’t trust her against a fighter on the level of Gadelha, who I think will edge a decision.

Finally Bantamweights Alejandro Perez and Song Yadong clash with the winner perhaps moving up into the top 10. Perez has been on a surprising run over recent years; a sloppy but aggressive and naturally talented fighter coming off his TUF: Latin America win, I didn’t expect a lot from him but he’s tightened up his game in all areas recently, even if he fell to Cody Stamann due to Stamann’s powerful wrestling game. Yadong is more of a boxing-based fighter, but his sheer athleticism means he’s dangerous in all areas. I like the Chinese fighter here as I think his speed will give Perez some issues, but to see him a little out of his depth wouldn’t surprise me either. Song by decision is my pick, though.