UFC heading to Charlotte one of the fastest growing cities in the United States with scheduled main card bouts of rising fighters. Building upcoming talent on ABC network as it will be fourth ABC broadcasted event.
Headlining UFC ABC 4 is Jailton Almeida vs Rozenstruik Co-Main Event is Ian Garry vs Daniel Rodriguez. Promoting two rising stars to wider audience.
Almeida Next Brazilian Heavyweight Star
Brazilian Heavyweight star was rookie of the year in 2022 because of his outstanding performances against tough opponents.
Sophomore season watch Jailton Almeida fastly rise through the Heavyweight rankings as UFC always looking for hybrid heavyweights they can push forward.
Rozenstruik is the perfect opponent for Almeida as he can ragdoll #9th ranked Heavyweight with ease. Finishing with nasty ground & pound or top pressure submission.
Jailton Almeida can be the next great Brazilian fighter following training partners Glover Teixeira & Alex Pereira and the Heavyweight he admires Fabricio Werdum.
Ian Garry First True Step up against Rodriguez
Ireland’s next superstar getting first true test against Daniel Rodriguez, scrappy fighter from Los Angeles constantly fights in chaos but ends up being victorious as he’s great dealing with adversity.
Ian Garry better overall technical fighter but if Rodriguez fighting strategy is creating chaos potentially can be rough night. Last fight against Kenan Song dealt with with adversity being hit hard in the first round but pulled through with beautiful combinations in 3rd round that lead to a finish.
Since he dealt with adversity in the past and never got overwhelmed believe he can withstand the pressure and KO Daniel Rodriguez in this tough bout.
“I believe I’m far too fast, far too technical, and have far more tools in my bag than he does. He’s got a decent jab that lands quite well but he overreaches on his left hand a lot.” Ian Garry said on bjpenn.com
“I’m going to piece him up in every which way, and I’m going to make him hate that he was in there… I think I’m going to get him out of there by the end of the second round.” Ian Garry said on media day https://www.sportskeeda.com/mma/news-ian-garry-plays-pizza-weed-prank-ufc-opponent-daniel-rodriguez
First time in UFC career fighting in co-main event spot, time to shine in the spotlight and deliver a great performance as UFC look to invest millions into Ian Garry’s future as the next Ireland superstar.
Win against Daniel Rodriguez can lead to top 10 matchups in 2023 as he becomes rising fighter to watch.
Johnny Walker Continues his Winning Streak
Considered a bust Light Heavyweight prospect post Corey Anderson loss than tough losses to Nikita Krylov, Thiago Santos and Jamahal Hill found rejuvenation by switching gyms to SBG Ireland.
“But no, he didn’t ask me to change my style. They just want me to improve myself, and they asked me to be myself more and be more unpredictable and go more forward but safe. I’m improving my game every day chin down, all my defense, takedown defense, everything, so it’s all good” Johnny Walker said in 2022 https://www.sportsmanor.com/ufc-vegas-48-johnny-walker-details-the-changes-he-has-made-in-his-fighting-style-under-john-kavanagh-at-sbg-ireland/
John Kavanagh fixing Johnny Walker’s wild style and making it more calculated. Since the gym switch is on two fight winning streak defeating Ion Cutebela and Paul Craig, both first round KO’s.
Continue winning streak by defeating longtime MMA veteran Anthony Smith former UFC Light Heavyweight Title Challenger. Smith is a grinder tough as nails but the long years of fighting might get the best of him.
“I’m going to prepare for the best version of Anthony Smith. Hopefully he prepared good, as well, because if not, it’s going to be a first-round knockout, a first round finish. I want to fight more. I want to show everybody my game and show everybody how good I am, so hopefully he’s a tough fighter for me.” Johnny Walker said
Walker can take advantage of an older Anthony Smith with a great performance against top ten opponent. Light Heavyweight division desperately needs new talented 205 lb fighters and UFC will be more than happy to push Johnny Walker forward as they can say he’s reborn since SBG Ireland switch.
Light Heavyweight Prospect Battle
Israel Adesanya protege and training partner Carlos Ulberg is fighting in the main card for the first time against rising Light Heavyweight opponent Ihor Poteria coming off win against hall of famer Shogun Rua.
Both fighters are alumni’s of the Dana White Contender Series and having successful careers so far. Interesting Light Heavyweight prospect battle to say the least.
Carlos Ulberg two time King of the Ring winner, lethal kickboxing and experience training with Israel Adesanya can seal the deal against the Ukrainian Light Heavyweight prospect.
“He’s a good opponent, he’s experienced, and he’s got a good record,” Ulberg said. “He’s someone we can go through to get to the rankings.” Carlos Ulberg said on UFC.Com/Blog
Poteria must make this a scrap, smart fighting strategy to get hands raised Saturday Night.
Ihor Poteria my opinion is the better overall fighter because of the experience inside the cage with a 19-3 record but there’s levels of striking.
Each UFC fight continues to gain knowledge and experience inside the cage, looked excellent in his last three fights. Currently on three fight winning streak finishing back to back opponents.
Leaves an opening for few mistakes, Ulberg will take advantage and crack Poteria with a right hand.
Interested how Carlos Ulberg vs Ihor Poteria goes, expect early KO by Ulberg or decision ending fight for either opponent. Great main card fight for a UFC Fight Night.
“People are going to be in for a treat,” Ulberg said. “We are going to go in there put on a show and people are going to be on the edge of their seats.” https://www.ufc.com/news/carlos-ulberg-no-rush-charlotte
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