UFC Fight Night 258: Rhys McKee vs Axel Sola Preview & Prediction
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
Frenchman Axel Sola makes his debut in front of an adoring crowd, with Rhys McKee charged with playing spoiler in enemy territory.
Rhys McKee vs Axel Sola facts
What time are Rhys McKee and Axel Sola expected to walk out?
Where is UFC Fight Night 258: Imavov vs Borralho? Accor Arena, Paris, France
Where can I get tickets for UFC Fight Night 258: Imavov vs Borralho? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC Fight Night 258
What TV channel is UFC Fight Night 258: Imavov vs Borralho on? UK – TNT Sports / USA – ESPN+
Where can I stream UFC Fight Night 258: Imavov vs Borralho? UK – TNT Sports subscribers can stream the event online via the TNT Sports website and discovery+ / USA – ESPN+ & UFC Fight Pass
UFC Fight Night 258: Imavov vs Borralho main card
Nassourdine Imavov vs Caio Borralho (Middleweight)
Benoit Saint Denis vs Mauricio Ruffy (Lightweight)
Modestas Bukauskas vs Paul Craig (Light Heavyweight)
Bolaji Oki vs Mason Jones (Lightweight)
Rhys McKee vs Axel Sola (Welterweight)
UFC Fight Night 258: Imavov vs Borralho prelims
William Gomis vs Robert Ruchala (Featherweight)
Oumar Sy vs Brendson Ribeiro (Light Heavyweight)
Marcin Tybura vs Ante Delija (Heavyweight)
Harry Hardwick vs Kaue Fernandez (Lightweight)
Sam Patterson vs Trey Waters (Welterweight)
Brad Tavares vs Robert Bryczek (Middleweight)
Andreas Gustafsson vs Rinat Fakhretdinov (Welterweight)
Shauna Bannon vs Sam Hughes (Women’s Strawweight)
Rhys McKee: "Skeletor" aims to build on the momentum of his first UFC win
Offered up as a sacrifice to current middleweight champion, Khamzat Chimaev, back in 2020, Rhys McKee (14-6-1) was handed one of the most difficult debut assignments in UFC history. A rangy striker with superb distance management and a savage clinch game, the Irishman was cut from the UFC following another defeat to Alex Morono. However, he would soon come storming back with a vengeance, with three absolutely brutal knockouts earning him the Cage Warriors welterweight strap and a chance at redemption. "Skeletor" is 1-2 since his return, impressing in hard fought defeats to Ange Loosa and Chidi Njokuani before scoring a doctor's stoppage over Daniel Frunza for his first UFC win.
Axel Sola: The longtime Ares FC champion looking to make a big splash in his hometown
Entering the UFC with a shiny undefeated record, Axel Sola (10-0-1) has been perfect in his professional career to date. Implementing a takedown heavy style throughout his fights, the 27 year old French wrestle-boxer earned the Ares FC welterweight strap in 2023 and went on to defend his title four times, most recently besting Ghiles Oudelha in a bloody scrap that showcased his grit and determination. However, while Sola has consistently shown flashes of exciting potential throughout his fights, the French prospect has yet to take on an opponent of his latest foe's experience.
Rhys McKee vs Axel Sola prediction
Sola has looked impressive during the majority of his career to date, but there's a valid argument to made that it's somewhat remarkable that he is the favorite here.
Simply put, the Frenchman has never beaten anybody who has ever made it past the regional scene. He's got solid takedowns and serviceable striking, but whether that will be enough to give the battle-tested McKee a run for his money is another matter entirely. It's also worth noting that he is coming off an absolute war with Ghiles Oudelha, a contest where he was dropped badly early on and absorbed a considerable amount of damage.
On the other side of the cage, "Skeletor's" UFC 1-4 record might not make for the prettiest reading, but his fights outside of the UFC are what is important here. McKee consistently brutalized his competition in Cage Warriors and BAMMA, decimating fighters who arguably possess similar levels of skill, toughness, and cage craft to his latest opponent. Throw in the fact that Sola has yet to prove he can implement his wrestling game against an opponent of the Irishman's experience, and the upset suddenly doesn't seem so far fetched.
McKee leans on his veteran wile and UFC experience to outpoint the French prospect across three rounds, cashing in as the underdog and potentially even earning a stoppage along the way.
Prediction: Rhys McKee to win
