UFC Fight Night: Andrade vs Blanchfield, also called UFC Vegas 69, will go down on February 18. The card is set to be headlined by Jessica Andrade vs Erin Blanchfield with Jordan Wright and Zac Pauga in the co-main. Before that fight though, comes the only heavyweight bout on the main card, Josh Parisian vs Jamal Pogues.
At the APEX Arena, “The Stormtrooper”, Jamal Pogues makes his UFC debut. He won this opportunity on Dana White’s Contender Series, in his second appearance and win on that show. Pogues first came on the show in Week 9 of the 2019 iteration. He beat his opponent, Marcos Brigagao via unanimous decision.
#DWCS Season 6, Week 3 Official Result: Jamal Pogues (@MMAs_Finest) (30-27, 29-28, 29-28) def Paulo Renato Jr. by unanimous decision.
— UFC News (@UFCNews) August 10, 2022
All Dana White’s Contender Series Season 6, Week 3 Results ⬇️:
However, likely due to his inability to secure a finish, Pogues wasn’t awarded a UFC contract. Out for redemption, Jamal was matched up with Paulo Renato Jr. in his second fight. Once again, Pogues put on a dominant showing, winning the unanimous decision. And this time Dana White rewarded Pogues for his brilliant performance with a UFC contract.
"I want to remind myself that I am a brave person, I am courageous and I am who I say I am."@JoshParisian aims to stay steady in his upcoming bout against Jamal Pogues at #UFCVegas69 🔊🆙
— UFC News (@UFCNews) February 16, 2023
The Stormtrooper’s UFC Vegas 69 opponent, Josh Parisian is a fellow DWCS alumnus. He appeared in the 4th season of the Contender Series back in 2020. Parisian defeated Chad Johnson in under 4 minutes of the first round via TKO to secure his UFC contract. Since then, he has had 4 fights in the UFC, emerging with an even record of 2 wins and 2 losses.
Parisian vs Pogues: head-to-head stats
Stats | Josh Parisian | Jamal Pogues |
---|---|---|
Wins | 15 | 9 |
Losses | 5 | 3 |
Height | 1.93 m | 1.91 m |
Division | Heavyweight | Heavyweight |
Reach | 201 cm | 196 cm |
Age | 33 | 27 |
Josh Parisian vs Jamal Pogues: Fight Breakdown and Prediction
Heading into UFC Fight Night: Andrade vs Blanchfield, both fighters are riding high on momentum, coming off wins. Josh Parisian is an expert at dirty boxing, the very same style that made Randy Couture one of the world’s most feared heavyweights. This is evidenced by his striking numbers as Parisian lands nearly 5 significant strikes every minute.
However, unlike Couture, Parisian also has the tendency to be a little sloppy at times. To see this, look no further than his significant strikes absorbed in a minute. Josh absorbs 5.11 strikes per minute on average compared to his opponent’s, 4.1.
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On the other hand, Jamal Pogues is a much more technical and calculated striker. He lands fewer shots than Parisian but also absorbs significantly fewer strikes than his Vegas 69 opponent. Jamal also tends to bring the fight down to the mat more often, giving him an edge over Josh. However, given Josh’s size advantage and grappling skills, this fight will most likely play out on the feet.
And if that is the case at UFC Vegas 69, Jamal Pogues should be able to outbox Josh during the course of their fight. Given Parisian’s reach and height advantage, this is easier said than done. However, using the threat of the takedown, Pogues should be able to manage this. All in all, this fight is Pogues’ to win if he plays it smart and doesn’t begin trading with Josh.
Prediction: Jamal Pogues wins via unanimous decision.