Austin Hubbard vs. Joe Solecki Prediction and Odds, UFC Vegas 7 Prelims

UFC Vegas 7 undercard action pits lightweight hopefuls Austin Hubbard and Joe Solecki in direct combat.

Joe Solecki (-145)

Both fighters enter this weekend looking to extend recent success. Solecki overwhelmed respected veteran Matt Wiman last December behind raw power, including harsh ground-and-pound mixed with tight submission attempts. The 26-year-old grappling ace landed four unanswered takedowns against Wiman while out striking his seasoned foe 177-20. The victory stated Solecki’s clear high-level mat acumen will be an obstacle for any 155 lb prospect.

During his four year pro MMA tenure, while training at Gym-O, Solecki owns seven finishes -one tko and six submissions- to highlight nine victories. Overall, the rising hopeful carries four straight wins into his second Octagon appearance to somewhat dissolve a 2018 knockout loss vs. TUF Brazil alum Nikolas Motta. Improving with each fight, and having aced rugged gatekeeper Matt Wiman, any Solecki losses must now be viewed as learning experiences along a wider path only including Zuffa dominance.

Statistically, the evolving North Carolina native averages 3.99 takedowns per fifteen minutes which set up his ground-and-pound heavy 3.67 significant strikes landed per 15 minutes. Most impressively, however, is Solecki’s 0.80 submissions per 15 minutes. It will be interesting to find if Solecki authors another highlight performance vs. an opponent that remains takedown prone.

Austin Hubbard (+125)

Austin Hubbard overcame those defensive wrestling liabilities to stop overhyped UFC entrant Max Rohskopf in late June. Unlike seasoned grapplers Mark O Madsen and Davi Ramos, both used repeated takedowns to control Hubbard for decision wins, short-notice opponent Roshkopf gassed when unable to submit ‘Thud’ before retiring on his stool between the second and third round.

Not a wrestling threat, Hubbard has nonetheless shown ability to avoid submissions and gain striking advantage. The Elevation Fight Team member offered refined hands while out pointing Kyle Prepolec and halting Rohskopf to earn UFC victories. At 2-2 in the Octagon, remaining upright is Hubbard’s key to victory this Saturday.

Overall, Hubbard lands 3.53 significant strikes per minute while being taken down on 55 percent of his opponent’s shots. It bears repeating that Hubbard struggles with seasoned grapplers: Solecki’s ground quality will be decided at UFC Vegas 8.

The Prediction: In this battle of contrasting styles, expect Joe Solecki to drown Hubbard for 15 minutes en route to a no frills decision win. Though, ‘Thud’ was stopped via submission earlier in his career, look for Hubbard to again prove durable but not offer enough winning utility.

The Winner: Joe Solecki by Decision

Odds courtesy of BestFightOdds.com