The MMA Daily

We have a clash in the Middleweight division, as Jamie Pickett takes on Denis Tiuliulin. Coming off a short notice defeat to Kyle Daukaus, which halted a two-fight win streak, Pickett will look to rebound. Making his sixth appearance since signing with the promotion in December of 2020, Pickett has proven active and reliable. Meanwhile, Tiuliulin comes into this fight off an unsuccessful UFC debut on short notice. With a full camp this time around, the Russian will look to taste UFC victory for the first time.

This is a coin flip fight. While Pickett holds key advantages, such as his strength and wrestling, he’s not entirely strong in any one area. On the feet, Pickett does possess a strong jab, but doesn’t necessarily have the output or power to stand out. Hoping the fight takes place on the feet is Tiuliulin. Gifted with power, the Russian has laid waste to eight opponents via knockout. However, when faced against a wrestler or grappler, Tiuliulin has often folded. With porous takedown defense and a limited ground game, the Russian is often hopeless. Knowing Pickett has landed a takedown in three of his five fights in the UFC, I’m expecting the American to bring forth a smothering game-plan that revolves around bringing this fight to the mat. So with that said, I predict Pickett will win via decision.