It’s a potentially explosive clash of dark horse talents in the light heavyweight division as Dustin Jacoby and Khalil Rountree Jr. meet in the main card opener.
In seven fights since returning to the UFC fold, Jacoby has gone 6-0-1, entering Saturday’s contest on a four-fight winning streak. The 34-year-old veteran earned a gnarly first-round knockout win over Da-un Jung last time out in July, and with another victory this weekend, could make a push for a date with a Top 10 opponent next time out.
Rountree Jr. hasn’t enjoyed the same sustained success as Jacoby of late, but his last two wins have been memorable and shown that he’s turned a corner in his competitive career. Two fights back, the former Ultimate Fighter finalist earned a TKO win over Modestas Bukauskas with an oblique kick, and in his most recent showing, Rountree Jr. finishes Karl Roberson with a thudding kick to the body after putting him on the deck with a clean, clubbing right hook.
These gentlemen are climbing the competitive ladder on parallel tracks, and we get to benefit from their paths crossing on Saturday. Expect fireworks.
Phil Hawes vs Roman Dolidze
Phil Hawes and Roman Dolidze meet in a bout between middleweights angling to keep making noise and climbing the ranks in Saturday’s final prelim.
Hawes is 12-3 overall and 4-1 in the UFC, including a win over Top 15 fighter Nassourdine Imavov. Last time out, he rebounded from his lone setback inside the Octagon with a lopsided pummeling of Deron Winn. A tremendous athlete with good wrestling and serious power, Hawes continues to feel like someone capable of making a run towards the top of the division.
