MMA Preview – Matt Schnell vs Steve Erceg at UFC Fight Night 238
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MATT SCHNELL VS STEVE ERCEG FACTS
When is UFC Fight Night 238? Saturday 2nd March, 2024 - 19:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC Fight Night 238? UFC APEX, Enterprise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC Fight Night 238? Click here to buy tickets for UFC Fight Night
What channel is UFC Fight Night 238 on? TNT Sports 1
Where can I stream UFC Fight Night 238? TNT Sports subscribers can stream the fight online via the TNT Sports website and Discovery+
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
MATT SCHNELL VS STEVE ERCEG LOWDOWN
Matt Schnell (16-7(1)) has only had eight fights fall through since his UFC debut. One of these cancellations was this pairing at UFC 295. Schnell also pulled out after getting injured before his fight with David Dvorak scheduled for UFC 289. Hopefully he makes it to the octagon this time as he always provides the excitement. In 2022, he earnt two ‘Fight of the Night’ bonuses. He got submitted by Brandon Royval and then put of an unforgettable back-and-forth war with Su Mudaerji winning the fight with a submission of his own. He is coming off another exciting fight with Matheus Nicolau (2022) but unfortunately got knocked out for the fourth time in his career to slump to 6-5(1) in the UFC.
Steve Erceg (11-1) is next up for the veteran who has enjoyed a more steady and less painful career so far. He arrived to the UFC having won his last seven fights under the Eternal MMA banner where he defended the flyweight title. He finally earnt the call-up last year replacing Schnell at UFC 289. He met Dvorak as the underdog but earnt a unanimous decision. Alessandro Costa then replaced Schnell at UFC 295 and the Aussie walked away with another unanimous decision and UFC win to extend his streak to 10.
MATT SCHNELL VS STEVE ERCEG PREDICTION
This is great matchmaking for Schnell’s chin which has taken a lot of damage recently. Erceg only has one knockout to his name, but his striking cannot be underrated.
He does not have knockout power, but he will keep pumping out his jab and leg kicks to maintain the distance. That is until he decides to shoot in and drag the fight into his wheelhouse.
He is an excellent grappler, and it will be very interesting to see him tangle with Schnell. The American’s offensive grappling is lethal and pounces on submissions. The scrappier this gets, the more it will suit Schnell.
He is a better striker, quicker and dangerous in the scramble. Erceg is less dangerous however, based on their recent fights we are backing the Aussie to avoid any brawls and earn enough control time with takedowns to sway the judges, but Schnell is the value pick as the significant underdog.
Prediction: Erceg via Decision
Value Bet: Schnell to win
