Preview: UFC Fight Night 242 “Burns vs. Brady”

Bantamweights

#11 FLW | Matt Schnell (16-8, 6-6 UFC) vs. #15 FLW | Cody Durden (16-6-1, 5-4-1 UFC)

OPPORTUNITIES: N/A

A short-notice rescue sets up a thrilling bantamweight bout between full-time flyweights. Schnell’s UFC career has been full of ups and downs, but usually provided excitement at every point along the way — even if it wasn’t always to his advantage. When “Danger” was first signed by the UFC in 2016, he seemed to have all the offensive skills to quickly climb the division ladder, but it soon became clear that his chin was a liability and that his aggressive style only set him up to get finished. Schnell retooled in impressive fashion, utilizing his long frame for a more patient and effective striking game, while also continuing to offer his excellent grappling as a change of pace. After finding his stride and getting back into some big situations, many of Schnell’s previous issues have returned. Schnell can still remain patient and attentive in fits and starts, but at heart he’s a savage who his opponents could lure into a brawl. That has resulted in Schnell losing three of his last four fights, although his lone win during that time over Su Mudaerji was one of the best fights of 2022. Despite Schnell’s struggles, it’s worth noting that all of his recent losses have come against championship-level fighters or close to them, so this matchup against Durden – who steps in on a few days’ notice – could prove to be the step back he needs.

Signed on short notice in 2020, Durden has generally adapted well to the UFC level after beating weak competition on the regional stage. Durden is a wrestler first and foremost, but has developed a solid striking game and kept his aggressiveness level consistent. Thanks to Durden’s stamina and commitment to pace, he has yet to lose a fight in the UFC that went beyond three rounds, although it can be difficult to get there. Durden’s lack of defensive awareness has led to him suffering some sudden defeats, especially when trying to take aggressive submission artists to the mat. Given Schnell’s skill on the mat, that seems like a clear disadvantage here. It would be no surprise to see Schnell land a triangle choke, which is one of his best tricks. The pick falls to Schnell by submission in the first round.

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Burns vs Brady
Silva vs Andrade
Garcia vs Nelson
Schnell vs. Durden
Peek vs Ashmoz
Rong vs Padilla
The preliminary round