Preview: UFC Fight Night 227 ‘Grasso vs. Shevchenko 2’

Lightweights

Daniel Zellhuber (13-1, 1-1 UFC) vs. Christos Giagos (20-10, 6-6 UFC)

ODDS: Zellhuber (-270), Giagos (+220)

It was good to see Zellhuber bounce back from a disappointing UFC debut, as the Mexican remains an intriguing high-upside prospect. Blessed with a large frame for a lightweight, “Golden Boy” showed off his wares as an aggressive fighter in his 2021 win on Dana White’s Contender Series, but he had little answer for Trey Ogden’s neutralizing style. Ogden stayed patient and safe, leading Zellhuber to wait for an opening that never came and coast to a decision loss. Zellhuber did not quite get back to his high-paced ways against Lando Vannata in April but landed enough offense on a willing dance partner to walk away with the clear decision win, and this matchup against Giagos provides the chance for Zellhuber to show some new wrinkles. The recipient of some tough matchmaking throughout two stints on the UFC roster, Giagos is a fairly straightforward fighter—a solid athlete who applies constant pressure and either outworks his opponents or quickly hits a wall. Giagos’ win over Ricky Glenn in April, a shocking 95-second knockout, was an interesting twist. It might wind up saying more about Glenn’s state in 2023, but some newfound finishing ability would pay major dividends for a fighter who usually has to grind his way to a win. Giagos is the right next test for Zellhuber, knockout power or not, but this does look like a fight where the former’s pressure is likelier to get him into danger rather than find a path to clear victory. The pick is Zellhuber via second-round stoppage.

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Grasso vs. Shevchenko
Della Maddalena vs. Holland
Rosas Jr. vs. Mitchell
Zellhuber vs. Giagos
Padilla vs. Nelson
The Prelims