Preview: UFC 293 Prelims

Welterweights

Charlie Radtke (7-3, 0-0 UFC) vs. Mike Mathetha (3-2, 0-2 UFC)

ODDS: Radtke (-310), Mathetha (+250)

There was some unrealistic hope ahead of his 2022 UFC debut that Mathetha could be the latest City Kickboxing product to take the promotion by storm. However, “Blood Diamond” looked every bit the raw kickboxing convert in his fight against Jeremiah Wells, as he quickly taken down and tapped out. Given that precedent, his sophomore effort against Orion Cosce was an impressive bit of progress, as Mathetha survived against a grinding wrestler and had his moments on the feet. Even so, the result was still a decision loss against an opponent no longer on the UFC roster a year later. Mathetha still has some solid tools, but at 35 years old, he badly needs a win if wants to realize any of that potential, which is where Radtke theoretically comes in. “Chuck Buffalo” was a non-entity as a regional lightweight but has strung together four straight wins since moving up to 170 pounds. Radtke is nothing spectacular, but he has shown off some knockout power and acquitted himself well as a defensive wrestler against opposition looking for an escape hatch. It will be interesting to see if Radtke looks to engage in a wrestling match, given that it is his easiest path to success. He has looked solid when his fights go to the mat and has been a willing grappler, but that has almost entirely come at the behest of his opponents rather than Radtke taking the approach on his own. If Radtke takes his usual path of looking for a brawl, Mathetha has shown enough creativity and technique that he could land something big for a knockout. Still, justified or not, Radtke gets the benefit of the doubt that he will take advantage of Mathetha’s glaring weaknesses. The pick is Radtke via decision.

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