UFC Fight Night: Jackson McVey vs Zachary Reese Preview & Prediction
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Zach Reese steps in on late notice to face Jackson McVey in middleweight opener at UFC Vegas.
Jackson McVey vs Zachary Rees facts
What time are Jackson McVey and Zachary Rees expected to walk out?
Where is UFC Fight Night: Bonfim vs Brown? UFC Apex, Enterprise, USA
Where can I get tickets for UFC Fight Night: Bonfim vs Brown? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC Fight Night
What TV channel is UFC Fight Night: Bonfim vs Brown on? UK – TNT Sports / USA – ESPN+
Where can I stream UFC Fight Night: Bonfim vs Brown? UK – TNT Sports subscribers can stream the event online via the TNT Sports website and discovery+ / USA – ESPN+ & UFC Fight Pass
UFC on ESPN 73: Bonfim vs Brown main card
Gabriel Bonfim vs Randy Brown (Welterweight)
Matt Schnell vs Joseph Morales (Flyweight)
Muslim Salikhov vs Uros Medic (Welterweight)
Chris Padilla vs Ismael Bonfim (Lightweight)
Christian Leroy Duncan vs Marco Tulio (Middleweight)
UFC on ESPN 73: Bonfim vs Brown prelims
Hyder Amil vs Jamall Emmers (Featherweight)
Ricky Simon vs Raoni Barcelos (Bantamweight)
Mayra Bueno Silva vs Jacqueline Cavalcanti (Women’s Bantamweight)
Josh Hokit vs Max Gimenis (Heavyweight)
Miles Johns vs Daniel Marcos (Bantamweight)
Tecia Pennington vs Denise Gomes (Women’s Strawweight)
Jackson McVey vs Zachary Reese (Catchweight - 195 lb)
Jackson McVey: Regional standout looking to rebound after tough UFC debut
Jackson “The Moose” McVey (6-1) returns to the Octagon eager to erase the memory of a difficult promotional debut. The 25-year-old middleweight, representing St. Charles MMA, entered the UFC earlier this year after an impressive run on the regional scene, where he compiled an undefeated record across multiple finishes. However, his first outing ended in a rough loss to Bruno Ferreira, exposing areas of his game that still need refinement at this level.
At 6’3” with a long frame, McVey traditionally relies on his grappling and submission instincts, having earned three of his six victories via tapout. On the feet, he prefers to kick from range but often struggles with speed and timing — a factor that became apparent in his debut. While he’s physically strong and durable, his tendency to start slowly and absorb damage could be costly against more athletic or explosive opponents. Still, with a full camp and the experience of his first UFC fight behind him, McVey will be motivated to showcase the skills that made him a prospect in the first place.
Zach Reese: Late replacement aiming to capitalise on opportunity
Zach “Savage” Reese (9-2, 1 NC) steps in on short notice to face McVey, bringing with him a reputation for violence and finishing ability. The 31-year-old Texan has earned all nine of his professional wins by stoppage — seven in the first round — highlighting his all-action style. After a rocky UFC debut loss to Cody Brundage, Reese rebounded strongly with a dominant first-round TKO win over Shavkat Rakhmonov’s teammate, Sharaputdin Magomedov, proving he can reset quickly and deliver under pressure.
Fighting out of WAR Training Center, Reese is a tall, aggressive striker who uses his reach to launch heavy combinations early. He mixes in opportunistic submissions when opponents try to close distance, but his real weapon is power. Despite being a late replacement, his pace and explosiveness make him a live danger from the opening bell. The key question is whether his cardio will hold up if McVey can survive the early storm and drag him into grappling exchanges.
Jackson McVey vs Zach Reese prediction
This middleweight clash sets up a classic contrast between a calculated grappler and a fast-starting striker. McVey’s best chance lies in weathering Reese’s initial aggression, forcing clinch exchanges, and working from top position. However, his defensive gaps on the feet and slower striking speed make him a tough stylistic matchup against someone as explosive as Reese.
Even on short notice, Reese’s finishing instincts and comfort in chaos give him a clear edge. McVey’s grappling could be dangerous if he secures early control, but the Texan’s power, precision, and willingness to trade make it unlikely this fight reaches the scorecards. Expect fireworks from the opening seconds.
Prediction: Zach Reese to win
