5 under the radar names to look out for at UFC Fight Night: Dern vs. Rodriguez

Chris Gutierrez [Image Courtesy: @el_guapo_mma on Instagram]
Chris Gutierrez [Image Courtesy: @el_guapo_mma on Instagram]

#4. Phil Hawes - UFC middleweight

Phil Hawes is still somewhat of an enigma within the UFC middleweight division. He is clearly an incredible athlete with some solid wrestling and natural power. However, he has shown moments of inexperience, gassing hard against Nassourdine Imavov.

Despite that, Hawes is coming off a truly impressive victory over Kyle Daukaus. He is also currently riding a seven-fight win streak and is 3-0 in the UFC so far. He also recorded a win on Dana White's Contender Series, as well as a victory under the banner of Bellator MMA.

At UFC Fight Night: Dern vs. Rodriguez, Hawes will take on Deron Winn, an experienced wrestler who transitioned over to MMA in 2017. He holds a 7-2 record, which includes wins over Antonio Arroyo and Eric Spicely.


#3. Alexandr Romanov - UFC heavyweight

Alexandr Romanov falls into a new collection of rising heavyweight prospects alongside the likes of Tom Aspinall and Chris Daukaus. 'King Kong' holds an undefeated record of 14-0, already holding three victories inside the UFC.

Those wins came against Roque Martinez, Marcos Rogerio de Lima and Juan Espino. Whilst they are not at the top of the food chain in the heavyweight division, Romanov was able to use those fights to showcase his impressive skillet. His wrestling is what truly sets him apart, with an excellent top game and brutal ground-and-pound.

Romanov will face Jared Vanderaa at UFC Fight Night: Dern vs. Rodriguez. Vanderaa is a solid striker with impressive durability. However, he has previously had issues defending takedowns, which Romanov will no doubt seek to exploit.

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