UFC Predictions: UFC Fight Night: Johnny Walker vs. Jamahal Hill

#2. UFC catchweight bout: Kyle Daukaus vs. Jamie Pickett

Kyle Daukaus faces a late-notice opponent in the form of Jamie Pickett this weekend.

Initially, this co-headliner would’ve seen Kyle Daukaus taking on Julian Marquez at 185lbs. However, ‘The Cuban Missile Crisis’ was forced out last week. Thankfully, rather than sideline Daukaus altogether, the UFC has been able to scramble, putting together a catchweight bout with Jamie Pickett instead.

Given that he has taken the bout in just over a week’s notice, will Pickett have anything for Daukaus? It’s probably a fair question to ask.

After falling to Punahele Soriano in his appearance on Dana White’s Contender Series, Pickett won two fights in the regional circuit before debuting in the octagon. Two straight losses put him on the verge of being cut. However, he was able to outpoint Laureano Staropoli in late 2021 before beating debutant Joseph Holmes in January this year.

While this fight is likely to be far trickier than the other two, taking such a late-notice bout could guarantee Pickett’s future with the UFC for some time. He’s likely to be up against it with Daukaus, though.

Sure, the native of Philadelphia doesn’t have the best octagon record – he’s 1-2-1 – but there’s certainly no shame in losing to Brendan Allen or Phil Hawes. Moreover, he looked excellent in his win over Dustin Stolzfus and in his no-contest with Kevin Holland.

More of a grappler by trade, Daukaus also has a solid technical striking game. Furthermore, he's got a deep gas tank, and hasn’t shown any outright weaknesses during his tenure in the octagon.

If Pickett displays serious knockout power, he’d probably stand a chance here. However, from what we’ve seen, he simply isn’t that kind of fighter, despite holding eight stoppage victories in the regional scene.

Sure, he might come in swinging, essentially assuming it’s his only chance of victory. However, unless he can land a bomb on the jaw, it’s more likely Daukaus will use his aggression against him. This could force him to gas out, and probably wear him down for a submission.

The Pick: Daukaus via second-round submission.