5 under-the-radar names to look out for at UFC 273

UFC Fight Night: Clay Guida vs. Mark Madsen
UFC Fight Night: Clay Guida vs. Mark Madsen

#4. Raquel 'Rocky' Pennington - UFC 273 featured prelims bout

A veteran of the women's bantamweight division, Raquel Pennington steps up on short notice to face off against Aspen Ladd in a featured preliminary bout of UFC 273.

Holly Holm vs. Raquel Pennington
Holly Holm vs. Raquel Pennington

Ladd is the favorite in this fight, but 'Rocky' is not a fighter that can be overlooked. Currently riding a three-fight win streak, Pennington is in the midst of a career resurgence.

'Rocky' outboxed Pannie Kianzad and Marion Reneau to pick up two unanimous decision victories. In her most recent bout, she took on Macy Chiasson. To the shock of many onlookers, Pennington locked up a modified guillotine submission, choking Chiasson out. Another win here for Pennington may well begin to propel her towards the title picture once again.

UFC Fight Night: Pannie Kianzad vs. Raquel Pennington
UFC Fight Night: Pannie Kianzad vs. Raquel Pennington

#3. Mark 'The Olympian' Madsen - UFC 273 early prelims

Undefeated UFC lightweight Mark Madsen will take on fan favorite Vinc 'From Hell' Pichel in yet another high-level fight hidden in the early prelims. Both men are riding impressive win streaks and are on the fringes of the division's top 15.

UFC Fight Night: Guida v Madsen
UFC Fight Night: Guida v Madsen

Madsen signed for the UFC in 2019 and has since picked up wins over Danilo Belluardo, Austin Hubbard, and most recently Clay Guida. Prior to signing with the UFC, Madsen competed on the Cage Warriors circuit, primarily in his home country of Denmark.

Before MMA, Madsen was a Greco-Roman wrestler, having competed at the very top of the sport. As the nickname 'The Olympian' implies, Madsen competed at the 2016 Summer Olympic Games, capturing the silver medal in the 75kg weight division.

UFC Fight Night: Cannonier v Gastelum Weigh-in
UFC Fight Night: Cannonier v Gastelum Weigh-in

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