Preview: UFC 282 Prelims

Bantamweights

Cameron Saaiman (6-0, 0-0 UFC) vs. Steven Koslow (6-0, 0-0 UFC)

ODDS: Saaiman (-320), Koslow (+265)

Raul Rosas Jr. is not the only young and talented bantamweight making his UFC debut at this event, as Saaiman looks to impress in his first trip to the Octagon. Just 21 years old, the South African impressed against the much more hyped Josh Wang Kim on Dana White’s Contender Series, taking the initiative and gaining momentum until he managed to score a third-round knockout. Saaiman is still quite raw, with a style built around pressing the action and eventually outlasting his opponents in a war of attrition, and it will be interesting to see how that pairs up against a late-notice replacement and fellow UFC newcomer. Koslow is also quite raw, with a record consisting entirely of first-round submissions against a low level of competition, and what little fight footage is available does back up that he works quickly for a finish on the mat. Saiiman’s usual approach could just walk him right into a takedown and an immediate loss, but it is also unclear what Koslow has to offer past his opening salvo, making this a bit of a toss-up. Koslow has many more question marks, so his counterpart gets the nod. The pick is Saaiman via third-round stoppage.