10 UFC 226 Predictions
3. Paul Felder Vs. Mike Perry
When Yancy Medeiros was removed from UFC 226 due to an injury with just weeks remaining until fight night it appeared that we wouldn't get to see exciting prospect Mike Perry in action. Fortunately, fate intervened and as James Vick was scratched from his fight with Paul Felder to instead fight Justin Gaethje, Felder was available to meet Perry in this preliminary card contest.
Despite stepping in on short notice, and moving up to the welterweight class, Felder has a decisive experience advantage over Perry. After losing a close decision to Ross Pearson, Felder appears to have found his groove, going 5-1 since, capping the streak off with consecutive knockout wins on Alessandro Ricci, Stevie Ray, and Charles Olivera. Perry is currently on a two-fight skid but is unlikely to be in danger of getting released regardless of the result of this bout thanks to his crowd-pleasing style.
With both men supremely confident in their striking prowess, it is likely that this fight will be contested entirely on the feet, while Perry likely has more power, Felder will be technical enough to avoid Perry's bombs en-route to a decision victory.
Prediction: Felder via unanimous decision