Updated February 27 2026, 15:09
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Opening the cardboard with a traditional striker vs. grappler matchup, Wes Schultz appears to be like to take advantage of his second likelihood at a UFC run towards fearsome KO artist, Damian Pinas.
Damian Pinas vs Wesley Schultz information
What time are Damian Pinas and Wesley Schultz anticipated to stroll out?
Where is UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs Kavanagh? Arena CDMX, Mexico City, Mexico
Where can I get tickets for UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs Kavanagh? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC Fight Night
What TV channel is UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs Kavanagh on? UK – TNT Sports / USA – Not televised
Where can I stream UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs Kavanagh? UK – TNT Sports can stream the occasion on-line by way of the TNT Sports web site and discovery+ / USA – Paramount+ & UFC Fight Pass
UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs Kavanagh principal card
Brandon Moreno vs Lone’er Kavanagh (Flyweight)
Marlon Vera vs David Martinez (Bantamweight)
Daniel Zellhuber vs King Green (Lightweight)
Edgar Chairez vs Felipe Bunes (Flyweight)
Imanol Rodriguez vs Kevin Borjas (Flyweight)
Santiago Luna vs Angel Pacheco (Bantamweight)
UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs Kavanagh prelims
Ryan Gandra vs Jose Daniel Medina (Middleweight)
Ailin Perez vs Macy Chiasson (Women’s Bantamweight)
Cristian Quinonez vs Kris Moutinho (Bantamweight)
Douglas Silva de Andrade vs Javier Reyes (Featherweight)
Regina Tarin vs Ernesta Kareckaite (Catchweight – 130lbs)
Erik Silva vs Francis Marshall (Featherweight)
Damian Pinas vs Wesley Schultz (Middleweight)
Damian Pinas: “The Baba Yaga” touches down within the Octagon after a devastating KO victory on the Contender Series
One of essentially the most thrilling additions from the newest season of the Contender Series, Damian Pinas (8-1) makes his UFC debut after starching fellow prospect, Vitor Costa, with a vicious first spherical knockout in September to earn a contract. A fighter who has but to see a 3rd spherical in his profession, “The Baba Yaga’s” end over the nicely rounded Brazilian was his sixth first spherical stoppage since turning professional again in 2022, a ruthless run of kind that features seven KOs and a submission. The 23 12 months outdated Surinamese knockout artist has by no means been to the scorecards in 9 fights and his solely defeat got here after touchdown an unlawful kick that resulted in a loss as a consequence of disqualification.
Wesley Schultz: “Party Time” makes his UFC debut after incomes redemption in his sophomore look on the Contender Series
Despite shedding by TKO to hyped middleweight prospect, Mansur Abdul-Malik in his first look on the Contender Series, Wes Schultz (8-2) would take advantage of his second likelihood at a UFC contract in emphatic style. “Party Time” snatched the “0” of the undefeated Mario Mingaj with a primary spherical Suloev stretch to punch his ticket to the promotion, with the unorthodox, flashy submission highlighting the hazard he poses on the mat. While he’s not essentially the most dynamic or explosive athlete, Schultz’s grappling chops are underlined by 5 wins by first spherical faucet out; his different two finishes have additionally come by way of floor and pound after securing a dominant place on the mat.
Damian Pinas vs Wesley Schultz prediction
This is an absolute banger to kick off the undercard. Pitting two signings from arguably one of the best Contender Series up to now towards one another, this appears to be like to be an exciting instance of the traditional “striker vs grappler” matchup.
A heavy-handed KO artist who has but to legitimately lose a combat, Pinas is a terrifying prospect on paper. With that being mentioned, Vitor Costa is one of the best fighter he has ever fought by a substantial distance and he has but to face a grappler who poses the identical hazard that Schultz will on the mat.
As such, it’s not inconceivable that there are as but unexposed holes in his grappling protection {that a} finisher like “Party Time” will ruthlessly exploit. Even in defeat, Schultz acquitted himself nicely towards the aforementioned Abdul-Malik, overcoming a major edge in total athleticism to trigger some professional issues for the undefeated American.
However, whereas he’s undoubtedly a stay canine on this one, Schultz’s goofy placing and porous protection appears to be like tailor made for somebody like Pinas to bomb him with one thing murderous within the early goings. Abdul-Malik’s base is grappling and he nonetheless managed to wobble “Party Time” on the ft on a number of events previous to a floor and pound stoppage.
In brief, that bodes unwell towards a striker of Pinas’ ferocity. The decide is “The Baba Yaga” by TKO.
Prediction: Damian Pinas to win by TKO
