UFC Fight Night: Luque vs Muhammad 2 kicks off with a promising featherweight matchup, as “The Mongolian Knight” Alateng Heili takes on the ever game Kevin “Crash” Croom.
Alateng Heili vs Kevin Croom Prediction
This is an incredibly difficult matchup for Heili, who is predominantly a striker wrestler. Heili stands a full 5 inches shorter than Croom, and allows Croom a massive reach advantage.
Where this spells trouble for Heili is the striking, as Croom looks his best when picking at his opponents from range. Also a competent grappler, Croom has looked impressive even in his last two losses, which were to high caliber opponents.
The height and reach advantage for Croom allows him to bully Heili from range. It also means he can sprawl more effectively on takedowns, and has a larger submission threat on the ground with lengthy limbs.
I anticipate a striking clinic from Croom to solidify his first official win in the UFC.
My pick – Kevin Croom by UD
Alateng Heili vs Kevin Croom Betting Suggestion
Kevin Croom is actually the underdog in this matchup, sitting at 13/8 odds, per Bet365.
I’d suggest picking Croom to win outright for these odds, but with roughly 80% of his victories coming by finish, you may be tempted by the odds for a Croom finish when the markets open up.
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