5 under the radar UFC fights to look forward to in December

#4. Darrick Minner vs. Ryan Hall - UFC 269

Another high-level bout that may well fly under the radar for some at UFC 269 is the featherweight fight between Darrick Minner and Ryan 'The Wizard' Hall. Both men are looking to bounce back from recent losses in an emphatic fashion.

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Darrick Minner is a veteran mixed martial artist who currently holds a record of 26-12. Impressive wins over T.J. Laramie and Charles Rosa inside the UFC have shown what Minner's veteran savvy brings to the table. He has also defeated a number of now UFC prospects whilst on the regional scene, including Terrance McKinney.

Minner will face off against Ryan Hall, one of the most unorthodox fighters in the UFC. Hall is a TUF winner and has utilized his unique BJJ game to overcome the likes of BJ Penn, Darren Elkins, and Gray Maynard.

More often than not, Hall's gameplan involves searching for all manner of submissions, often from the bottom position. However, Minner is a very capable offensive wrestler. This fight certainly has the potential to go a number of different routes, but will certainly be entertaining regardless of which path it takes.

#3. Raphael Assuncao vs. Ricky Simon - UFC Fight Night: Daukaus vs. Lewis

In the UFC's last event of 2021, an intriguing bout between No.12-ranked UFC bantamweight Raphael Assuncao and rising prospect Ricky Simon has gone unnoticed by many.

Assuncao has been in the UFC since 2011, and over the years has picked up a number of impressive victories against some of the division's best. His record includes decision wins over the likes of T.J. Dillashaw, Rob Font, Marlon Moraes and the current champion, Aljamain Sterling.

He takes on talented wrestler Ricky Simon, who also amassed a number of significant wins during the four years he has competed for the UFC. Most notable was a submission stoppage against the now No.6-ranked UFC bantamweight Merab Dvalishvili.

Assuncao may well be in the twilight of his career at this point. However, he has that veteran savvy that comes with a career that spans nearly 20 years. Simon will have to be at his very best to overcome the wily Brazilian.

Edited by Josh Evanoff