The UFC returns to Austin next month with a card that will put its predecessors to shame. With the end of the year almost upon us, the UFC is pulling out all the stops for the fans. As such, let’s take a look at one of the bouts on the card, Drakkar Klose vs Joe Solecki.
For the most part, the headliner for the event, Beneil Dariush vs Arman Tsarukyan, has been a well-hyped affair. However, as more and more fights were added to the card, fans have been thoroughly impressed. As such, UFC Austin promises to be a memorable night for fight fans, likely for years to come.
🚨🚨Lightweights Collide🚨🚨
Joe Solecki takes on Drakkar Klose at UFC event on December 2nd. Location TBA. pic.twitter.com/CHe9YvZNV5
— Marcel Dorff 🇳🇱🇮🇩 (@BigMarcel24) September 25, 2023
Whilst the main card is full of star power and some banger fights, the prelims seem to be equally stacked as well. With many familiar faces and recognizable names, many are sure to be pleasantly surprised. An unmissable bout on the prelims is the aforementioned Drakkar Klose vs Joe Solecki bout.
Notably, both fighters are on two-fight win streaks and coming in with a spring in their step. Although Drakkar has been around the block for a while now, he has yet to find his place in the lightweight rankings. As for Solecki, he has always been but a step away from truly establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with. With that said, this fight presents the perfect opportunity for both men.
Drakkar Klose vs Joe Solecki stats
Stats | Drakkar Klose | Joe Solecki |
---|---|---|
Wins | 13 | 13 |
Losses | 2 | 3 |
Height | 5 ft 6 in | 5 ft 6 in |
Division | Lightweight | Lightweight |
Reach | 70 in | 71 in |
Age | 35 | 30 |
UFC Austin: Drakkar Klose vs Joe Solecki prediction
For the most part, both fighters are very evenly matched up for this contest. Whilst Klose has been in the UFC for a little longer, Solecki has a youthful exuberance about him. Based on his experience, many may choose to go for Drakkar, however, the skill disparity between them is minimal. Over the years Klose has taken on some big names like Bobby Green and Christos Giagos.
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Despite his six years in the UFC, Klose has never really put up a standout performance. A very safe, and methodical fighter, the Michigan native tends to rely more on his output. Having won 4 out of his last five fights, Klose won three of them by way of unanimous decision. However, following a brutal KO loss to Dariush, Klose got a finish of his own against Brandon Jenkins last year.
As for his opponent, Joe Solecki has slowly but surely been making his way to the top. In what has mostly been an unblemished record, Joe suffered a narrow split-decision loss to gatekeeper Jared Gordon in 2021. Having also won 4 out of his last five fights, it is very clear what Solecki’s strengths are.
With both fighters being durable and evenly matched, it will be a game of who can improvise and adapt quicker than the other. Although many may expect Solecki to take things to the ground and Drakkar to keep it on the feet, we could easily see something completely different as well. All things considered, we are picking the slight underdog to make a statement at UFC Austin.