Heavyweights
Justin Tafa (3-0) vs. Yorgan De Castro (5-0)Advertisement
Cape Verde is now on the UFC map thanks to De Castro, who earned a contract on the first episode of the latest season od Dana White’s Contender Series with a leg kick stoppage of Alton Meeks. De Castro does not cut a particularly imposing figure, but that fight was at least an improvement from his previous efforts. He had formerly shown a brawling approach, but against Meeks, he decided to methodically break down his opponent. On a lackluster episode of the Contender Series that did not provide much of the blood and guts for which UFC President Dana White usually goes, that was enough for De Castro to get a spot on the roster. His debut comes here against an Australian newcomer in Tafa.
Tafa is still a raw prospect who relies on hunting for the finish, but he is obviously improving from fight to fight. Even just three bouts into his career, he is already doing a much better job at reacting when offense comes his way.
Tafa is the higher-ceiling prospect and probably close to the point where he can win this, but if he does not just run over De Castro, he should be able to game plan accordingly and take care of business. The pick is De Castro via first-round knockout.
Next Fights » ESPN2 Prelims
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