UFC 235 ADDS JOHNNY WALKER VS. MISHA CIRKUNOV

There are a couple intriguing new bouts that have been shown for upcoming fight cards, and below are my first reactions to these bouts in the current MMA odds and ends.
Johnny Walker vs. Misha Cirkunov, UFC 235
An injury to Ovince Saint-Preux has knocked him from the UFC 235 matchup from Misha Cirkunov, and filling in on short notice will be Johnny Walker. UFC 235 take place March 2 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. MMAFighting.com broke the news of the replacement matchup. Walker (16-3) seems like he might be the next huge thing in 205lbs. The Brazilian is about an eight-fight win series and is 2-0 at the UFC with back-to-back KOs over Justin Ledet and Khalil Rountree. He is a star in the making and this fight will give him the chance to beat a ranked fighter and jump into the branch’s top-10. Cirkunov (14-4) is 5-1 at the UFC with all his wins coming from stoppage, but he himself has been knocked out two. Cirkunov was arguably the best potential at the light heavyweight division at the same stage, but Walker is currently, and I’d have to believe Walker will be a big favorite to win this fight.
Alejandro Perez vs. Cody Stamann, UFC 235
Due to an injury to Song Yadong, Alejandro Perez will now take on Cody Stamann in UFC 235. Perez (21-6-1) is 7-1-1 in the UFC and conquer Eddie Wineland in his final struggle. Stamann (17-2) is 3-1 in the UFC and is coming off of a submission loss to Aljamain Sterling. Perez has an wonderful record but stylistically Stamann poses matchup problems for him. I think Perez will be the favorite due to his win streak, but Stamann is very live here.
Luis Pena vs. Steven Peterson, UFC Fight Night 148
Featherweights Luis Pena and Steven Peterson will meet at UFC Fight Night 148, taking place March 23 in Bridgestone Arena at Nashville, Tennessee. Rodney James broke the news. Pena (5-1) is 1-1 in the UFC and also lost a split decision to Michael Trizano his out time. Peterson (17-7) is currently 1-1 in the UFC as well and is coming from a split decision win over Matt Bessete. Close battle here between two guys who must obtain some more consistency, but based on his popularity Pena will surely be the betting favorite in this one despite creating his 145lbs debut.
David Branch vs. Jack Hermansson, UFC on ESPN 2 Middleweights David Branch and Jack Hermansson are set to lock horns at UFC on ESPN 2, occurring March 30 in Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Branch (22-5) is 2-2 in his most recent stint at the UFC but is coming from a surprising KO loss to Jared Cannonier. Hermansson (18-4) is 5-2 in the Octagon and is coming from back-to-back stoppage wins over Thales Leites and Gerald Meerschaert. Branch was on a fantastic win series for a while but the two knockout losses he’s from the UFC worries me. I would have to prefer Hermansson within this one just based on his momentum and also the fact he is the younger and larger fighter in this matchup.
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