What It Means: Nobody is as experienced in high-level fights as Frankie Edgar, who has made quite a home for himself at 135 pounds. He still maintains the tenacious toughness that is his trademark, and his well-rounded attack is a lot for anyone to handle. He is always mixing things up whether he is striking to engage in a grappling scramble or vice versa. His boxing is crisp, and he carries his power into the late parts of a fight. He likes to be the one pressing forward, as well.
Marlon Vera
Key Stats: 8 finishes (tied-1st all-time among BW), 50.7% significant strike accuracy (8th), 10:16 average fight time (8th shortest)
What It Means: “Chito” is a fighter’s fighter. Well-rounded with a mind always on a finish, Vera blatantly enjoys the combat arena. On the feet, he uses long-range weapons well: jabs and straight crosses, teep kicks to the body, leg kicks, etc. He mixes up his attack well, and if he rocks his opponent, he is as likely to dish out ground-and-pound as he is to pounce on his opponent’s neck and get a submission. He is a tricky grappler with some vicious skills on the ground.
What to Look For in the Fight: Vera will want to pick and prod at Edgar and fight the fight at his own tempo, which is what Edgar is so good at dictating. He will march forward with a crisp combination before ducking into a takedown, or if Vera is starting the find success on the feet, Edgar will time a shot well. “Chito” is strong at stalking his opponents and trapping them against the fence before breaking his opponent down. He is also good in the clinch with elbows and knees, so Edgar will have a lot to think about in each portion of the fight.
Don’t miss a single strike of UFC 268: Usman vs Covington 2, live from Madison Square Garden in New York City on ESPN+ on November 6, 2021. Prelims begin at 6pm ET/3pm PT, main card starts at 10pm ET/7pm PT.
