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UFC Fight Night 249: Medic vs. Soriano Set for Explosive Welterweight Clash

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Uros Medic Vs. Punahele Soriano Ufc Fight Night 249

Uros Medic and Punahele Soriano will face off in a highly anticipated welterweight bout on the UFC Fight Night 249 main card this Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The matchup, which opens the main card, promises fireworks as both fighters are known for their aggressive styles and southpaw stances.

Medic (10-2 MMA, 4-2 UFC) enters the fight fresh off a first-round knockout victory over Tim Means in April 2024. The win marked a strong rebound for the Serbian fighter after a submission loss in his previous outing. Medic has shown a knack for striking, particularly in the early rounds, but his tendency to retreat linearly under pressure could be a vulnerability against Soriano.

Soriano (10-4 MMA, 4-4 UFC), a Hawaiian fighter, also comes into the bout on the heels of a victory. In June 2023, he secured a unanimous decision win over Miguel Baeza, snapping a two-fight losing streak. Known for his wrestling and judo background, Soriano is expected to leverage his grappling skills to counter Medic’s striking prowess.

Both fighters have struggled against southpaw opponents in the past. Soriano is 0-1 against UFC-level lefties, while Medic holds a 1-1 record in similar matchups. Analysts note that both fighters have shown vulnerabilities to body shots, which could play a significant role in the outcome of the fight.

MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom predicts Soriano will secure a stoppage by strikes in the second round. ‘Soriano’s wrestling and judo credentials give him an edge, especially in the smaller octagon at the UFC Apex,’ Tom said. ‘If he can pressure Medic effectively, he could force a finish.’

Oddsmakers favor Medic, listing him at -215, while Soriano is a +180 underdog via FanDuel. The fight is scheduled to begin at approximately 7:10 p.m. ET and will stream live on ESPN+.

This bout is part of a stacked UFC Fight Night 249 card, which features several high-profile matchups. Fans can find more details on the event through MMA Junkie’s event hub.