Veteran lightweights collide on Saturday night, as Mandel Nallo faces Nate Landwehr at UFC Fight Night: Buckley vs. Malott in Edmonton, Canada.
Nallo (14–4, 0–1 UFC) will look to bounce back after suffering a first-round TKO loss to Jai Herbert in his Octagon debut in April. Landwehr (18–8, 5–6 UFC) aims to rebound from three straight stoppage losses, capped by a first-round TKO defeat to Cub Swanson at UFC 327 in April.
Nallo enters as a heavy -278 moneyline favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook. Landwehr is a +225 underdog, with the fight total set at O/U 1.5 rounds.
Mandel Nallo vs. Nate Landwehr Fight Preview
Mandel Nallo
- 14–4 (0–1 UFC)
- 8–3 (T)KO
- 6–1 SUB
Mandel Nallo’s Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em style was on full display in his UFC debut earlier this year. Facing Jai Herbert, the former Bellator contender nearly pulled off a stoppage win before getting clipped and finished — in all of two minutes.
Even at 37, Nallo is polished on the feet and has dangerous jiu-jitsu; he boasts a 100 percent finish rate with 12 first-round stoppages. The Canadian also heads into Saturday night with a considerable size edge and home-court advantage. That said, his stylistic flair blends poorly with his compromised chin — all of his losses have come by stoppage — which could foreshadow another unfortunate ending against like-minded striker Nate Landwehr.
Nate Landwehr
- 18–8 (5–6 UFC)
- 9–5 (T)KO
- 2–1 SUB
Nate “The Train” has accrued some serious mileage in his UFC career. The Tennessee native is an absolute dog, known for his relentless forward pressure, but his chin has largely eroded at 38.
Landwehr heads up North with a losing record inside the Octagon, including three straight defeats by knockout or TKO. In his last fight earlier this year, Cub Swanson stopped him in the opening round. Although Landwehr still has power in his hands, he may struggle to close the distance against the longer, sharper striker in Mandel Nallo.
Mandel Nallo vs. Nate Landwehr Pick, Best Bet
Don’t blink. Mandel Nallo looks poised to notch his first UFC win, with a clear overall skill advantage over Nate Landwehr. With a considerable size advantage, he should manage distance and pile up shots from range. That said, neither fighter has much of a chin these days, giving the gritty Landwehr a slim puncher’s chance.
Saturday’s lightweight clash should come down to who lands the first clean shot; knowing these two, it shouldn’t take long before one of them is seeing stars.
