ZHU RONG VS BRANDON JENKINS FACTS
When is UFC Vegas 37? Saturday 18th September, 2021 - 22:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC Vegas 37? UFC APEX, Enterprise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC Vegas 37? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC events
What channel is UFC Vegas 37 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC Vegas 37? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website
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!
ZHU RONG VS BRANDON JENKINS LOWDOWN
Zhu Rong (17-4) heads to the APEX for the first time hoping to make amends after his UFC debut loss. The Wi Lin Feng lightweight champion had virtually fought his whole career for the Chinese promotion and was riding a superb 10-fight win streak that included six knockouts and three submissions. He got called up for his debut in April and was paired with Rodrigo Vargas but dropped a unanimous decision to suffer an unfamiliar defeat.
He was scheduled to fight Dakota Bush, but COVID-19 dragged him off the card a few days out which has given Brandon Jenkins (15-7) the opportunity to make his UFC debut. The self-proclaimed ‘Human Highlight Reel’ is coming off three good wins – a spectacular spinning back elbow knockout over Jordin Hinmam last November and followed it up with a unanimous decision over Aaron Mitchell in March (both for Caged Aggression). He then walked out for the Professional Fighters League three weeks ago and added to the reel with a flying knee on Jacob Kilburn.
ZHU RONG VS BRANDON JENKINS PREDICTION
Jenkins has little to lose taking this fight on a few days’ notice which will make him even more dangerous. He is an aggressive striker with good cardio so Rong cannot take him lightly.
They are both big lightweights and Rong will not take a step back either so we should be in for an exciting battle on the feet. Rong should be able to win the majority of exchanges as long as he is prepared for Jenkins’ flare. He loves a flying knee and wait for him to torque his hips to set up a spinning elbow.
If Rong can stick to the fundamentals on the feet and utilise his footwork to avoid the flashy strikes and counter, he can bag the rounds.
Jenkins is certainly worth a punt considering the odds especially if he can fire off his whipping leg kicks early to slow Rong down. Taking on Rong on just a few days’ notice should be an order too tall but there is value on him.
Prediction: Zhu Rong via Decision - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
Prediction: Jenkins to win