This Saturday brings about another UFC fight card, specifically a PPV card as UFC 252 takes place. In my last piece, I looked at 3 of the 6 prelim bouts set for the card, and this time around I’ll be looking at the final 3 prelim bouts.
TJ Brown vs Danny Chavez – Featherweight Bout
Continuing the UFC 252 prelim card is a featherweight bout between TJ Brown and UFC newcomer Danny Chavez. Brown earned his UFC contract back in August 2019 when he choked out Dylan Lockard in the 3rd round. Brown went on to make his UFC debut back in February of this year when he lost via submission to Jordan Griffin. Brown is a submission specialist so seeing him choked out in his last fight was surprising to say the least. However, you can bet he’ll be looking for a submission finish in this bout to bounce back from his last fight.
Danny Chavez is making his UFC debut tonight after impressing in multiple other promotions like GLFC and Fight Time Promotions. Chavez is 10-3 through his career and has shown extremely good cardio and stamina, winning seven of his 13 fights by way of decision. Danny has a real chance to make a name for himself in this one, given Brown lost his first UFC bout and he’s on the prelims of a huge PPV card.
This one is a pretty interesting fight to start the entire fight card. Both guys will be looking to make names for themselves off the other and, if I had to choose, I’d go with Brown. I think Brown will do enough on the feet to get Chavez to the ground and submit him.
#15 Felice Herrig vs Virna Jandiroba – Women’s Strawweight Bout
The next fight on the UFC 252 prelims card takes us back to the women’s strawweight division as Felice Herrig takes on Virna Jandiroba. Herrig made her UFC debut back in 2016 off the back of winning her UFC contract during the Ultimate Fighter 20 Finale. Herrig went on a great four-fight win streak between 2016 and 2017 and looked to take the women’s division by storm. Two losses in her last two fights have stalled that surge. Her last fight was back in 2018 against Michelle Waterson and it’ll be interesting to see what Herrig has done in those 2 years off.
Virna Jandiroba came into the UFC as an undefeated fighter back in April 2019, but she ended up losing her first bout in the company against Carla Esparza. Virna bounced back in December 2019 with a win over Mallory Martin via a rear-naked choke. Virna is a Jiu-Jitsu specialist and it’s incredible how much skill she has on the ground. Her current record stands at 15-1 and 12 of those 15 wins are via submission, mainly the rear-naked choke. Virna has a real chance to make a name for herself off the back on a well-known name in the UFC women’s division.
This is going to be a battle between two highly skilled women fighters and I’m looking forward to seeing what Herrig has added to her game in her two years away from competing. This is another tough fight to call but I think I’m going to side with Virna, I never like backing a fighter coming off a huge break and Herrig is 35 now.
Jim Miller vs Vinc Pichel – Lightweight Bout
The featured prelim bout of the night sees two lightweight veterans take each other on as Jim Miller fights Vinc Pichel. Jim Miller has been with the UFC since 2008 and has enjoyed a fantastic career, becoming one of the best lightweights during his prime. Age has caught up with Miller over the last few years and he’s struggled against newer guys like Dustin Poirier, Dan Hooker, Nate Diaz, and many others. Miller is coming off a win in his last fight against Roosevelt Roberts and he’ll be looking to knock his fellow veteran off in this one, using his submissions as a method of victory.
Vinc Pichel has been with the UFC since 2014 after earning his UFC contract in 2012 during The Ultimate Fighter 16 Finale even though he lost his fight. Pichel is 5-1 in the UFC since his debut but has struggled to find consistency in his fights, constantly having long breaks between fights. His last fight was a decision win over Roosevelt Roberts and Vinc looks to improve his impressive UFC record with a win against Miller.
This fight definitely would have been better if contested a few years back but even now, both guys have proven they still have gas left in the tank. Personally, I’m taking Miller for this one, I think he’s got much more skill over Pichel and has stayed extremely active throughout his career.
Mandatory Credit: David Berding-USA TODAY Sports
