UFC Fight Night: Kang vs. Yahya betting odds, preview, and pick

Kyung Ho Kang and Rani Yahya’s bantamweight clash has suddenly taken the co-feature spot for the July 31 edition of UFC Fight Night, and we have the preview and pick you’ll need before the bout.

Kang has the physical advantage

Kang has to approach this fight as if he is fighting a smaller version of himself. He won by the slimmest of margins against Liu Pingyuan in December, and it was his second straight split-decision victory.

Kang doe well to get his opponents on the ground and maintain ground control. He has scored 11 submission wins in his career and has both a strong chin and excellent defense on the ground. Because he has the advantage in both height and reach, he may have to rely more on his striking than he is used to.

Yahya is chasing history

If Yahya manages to tap Kang out, he’ll tie the record for submissions in the bantamweight division. The submission-minded fighter enters off a win against Ray Rodriguez in March, via triangle choke.

Yahya lives and dies with his ground game, but considering his long career, it’s not a stretch to say he is a better mat technician than Kang. The last time Yahya won a fight that wasn’t a submission was four years ago, which means he is a solid finisher when he gets his opponent in position.

Kang’s takedown defense gives him the edge

Yahya will make takedown attempts early and often, but Kang can defend well against that approach. If Kang can shut down or stuff the majority of Yahya’s attempts, he is easily the better striker and can potshot his way to a dull win. Though this could be a slog, Kang has the better tools.

When Yahya realizes he can’t score takedowns as efficiently as he would hope, we’ll settle in for a slow-paced affair, where both men are hesitant to engage. The saving grace for Kang will be his longer reach, which will give him the edge in striking.

This might not be for action lovers, but Kang will get it in a decision victory.

MMA free pick: Kang