Preview: UFC on ESPN 18 Prelims

Bantamweights

Luke Sanders (13-3) vs. Joseph Nathan Maness (12-1)

ODDS: Sanders (-140), Maness (+120)

In another world, Sanders is an undefeated prospect riding a wave of momentum, but as it stands, he has endured quite the hard-luck UFC career. Sanders is obviously talented as an aggressive and powerful fighter, but his lack of mindfulness on defense has sunk him. He has managed to lose two bouts via sudden leg submissions, and his third was another shocking comeback loss at the hands of Andre Soukhamthath. Add in long spates of inactivity, and Sanders’ career has essentially gone sideways since he debuted with an impressive late-notice win over Maximo Blanco in 2016. After dispatching Renan Barao early in 2019, Sanders looks to put together the first winning streak of his Octagon tenure against Maness. There are some interesting things about Maness, who has a good frame for the division and seems to have some knockout power. However, he is almost poised to a fault, as he tends to let his opponents take control before trying to find an opening for a big fight-changing moment. It is a tough line to toe against better competition, and he barely squeaked out a win over Johnny Munoz in his UFC debut in August. Munoz controlled most of the fight but did little with it, while Maness at least threw some strikes in the grappling exchanges. Maness could just coast to a loss as Sanders takes over the fight. However, thus far, anyone with a combination of poise and finishing ability has been able to find their shot against Sanders. The pick is Maness via second-round knockout.