Malcolm Gordon vs Jimmy Flick Prediction: Both fighters hoping for redemption

Malcolm Gordon is scheduled to enter the Octagon against Jimmy Flick at UFC 297 this Sunday. Both fighters are coming off consecutive losses, and they are both eager for a positive outcome in this upcoming bout. However, it remains uncertain which of the two fighters will be able to reverse their fortunes.

In his previous bout, Malcolm Gordon faced Jake Hadley and suffered a defeat via a first-round body punch. Jake Hadley successfully landed 13 of 24 total strikes in the match, while Malcolm Gordon managed to connect with only 3 of his 15 total strikes. Looking at significant strikes, Jake Hadley had a 47% accuracy rate, landing 10 of 21, with 7 of those strikes targeting the head. In contrast, Malcolm Gordon achieved a 20% accuracy in significant strikes, connecting on 3 of 15, and only 1 of 13 strikes aimed at the head found their mark. Notably, 50% of Jake Hadley's significant strikes and 100% of Gordon's strikes were registered from a distance.

In Jimmy Flick's most recent appearance in the Octagon, he faced Alessandro Costa and experienced a defeat through a second-round elbow to the head. Alessandro Costa demonstrated an impressive 83% accuracy in significant strikes from a distance, while Jimmy Flick achieved a 100% accuracy in his significant strikes at a distance. Flick landed 37% of his attempted significant strikes, connecting on 14 of 37. However, he struggled with head strikes, landing only 6 of 27. Alessandro Costa, on the other hand, successfully landed 65 of 91 significant strikes, with 37 of those directed at the head out of 58 attempts. In terms of total strikes, Alessandro Costa was 65 of 92, while Jimmy Flick managed to land 14 of 37 of all the strikes he threw.

Each of these flyweights is eagerly anticipating a victory in what promises to be an unusual fight. Malcolm Gordon, a proficient grappler, has demonstrated his skills in notable bouts like the one against Muhammad Mokaev, where he secured advantageous positions against the highly regarded prospect before succumbing to a finish. On the other hand, Jimmy Flick is a crafty submission artist, showcasing a remarkable flying triangle win over Cody Durden. Despite taking some time off and returning with two consecutive knockout losses, Flick remains a formidable opponent.

In this matchup, my inclination is towards Gordon. His adept grappling skills make him well-equipped to thwart submission attempts, and I believe he has the potential to secure a victory through striking or positional grappling, possibly resulting in a decision.