UFC Fight Night: Jordan Leavitt vs Yadier del Valle Preview & Prediction
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Featherweights clash on the prelims as Jordan Leavitt drops to 145lbs to face Yadier del Valle.
Jordan Leavitt vs Yadier del Valle facts
What time are Jordan Leavitt and Yadier del Valle expected to walk out?
Where is UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs Hernandez? Toyota Center, Houston, USA
Where can I get tickets for UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs Hernandez? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC Fight Night
What TV channel is UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs Hernandez on? UK – TNT Sports / USA – Not televised
Where can I stream UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs Hernandez? UK – TNT Sports can stream the event online via the TNT Sports website and discovery+ / USA – Paramount+ & UFC Fight Pass
UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs Hernandez main card
Sean Strickland vs Anthony Hernandez (Middleweight)
Geoff Neal vs Uros Medic (Welterweight)
Dan Ige vs Melquizael Costa (Featherweight)
Serghei Spivac vs Ante Delija (Heavyweight)
Jacobe Smith vs Josiah Harrell (Welterweight)
Zachary Reese vs Michel Pereira (Middleweight)
UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs Hernandez prelims
Chidi Njokuani vs Carlos Leal Miranda (Welterweight)
Ode' Osbourne vs Alibi Idiris (Flyweight)
Alden Coria vs Luis Gurule (Flyweight)
Nora Cornolle vs Joselyne Edwards (Women’s Bantamweight)
Ramiz Brahimaj vs Punahele Soriano (Welterweight)
Philip Rowe vs Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani (Welterweight)
Jordan Leavitt vs Yadier del Valle (Featherweight)
Juliana Miller vs Carli Judice (Women’s Flyweight)
Jordan Leavitt: Submission specialist seeking a fresh start at featherweight
Jordan Leavitt (12-3-0) is a 30-year-old American fighter who has spent the bulk of his UFC career competing at lightweight. Now opting to move down to 145 pounds, Leavitt will look to reinvigorate his trajectory in a new division. Known primarily for his grappling, Leavitt is a slick submission artist with creative transitions and a willingness to attack from unconventional positions. His UFC wins have typically come when he is able to dictate terms on the mat, whether through back takes, leg entanglements or opportunistic scrambles. While not a high-volume striker, he uses his movement and unpredictability to close distance and initiate clinches.
Leavitt has experienced mixed fortunes in recent outings. After earning notable victories earlier in his UFC tenure, he has alternated results when stepping up in competition as seen by a loss to Paddy Pimblett in London. The shift to featherweight is a calculated gamble, potentially offering speed and size advantages against natural 145-pounders, but it also raises questions regarding durability and how his grappling translates against larger, physically stronger opposition. Standing 5’9” with a 71-inch reach, Leavitt will not give up much length in this contest, but the weight cut and physical adaptation will be significant factors.
Yadier del Valle: Undefeated Cuban prospect building momentum
Yadier “The Cuban Problem” del Valle (10-0-0) is a 29-year-old Cuban featherweight who enters this bout with an unblemished professional record. A well-rounded fighter with both knockout and submission wins on his résumé, del Valle has steadily built a reputation as a composed and physically imposing competitor at 145 pounds. Standing 5’9” with a 69-inch reach, del Valle combines measured pressure with finishing instincts. He has shown the ability to end fights on the feet with clean, powerful combinations, while also demonstrating competence in grappling exchanges when opportunities arise. His undefeated record reflects a fighter comfortable in multiple phases of MMA.
In his most recent appearances, del Valle has continued to display control and maturity, avoiding unnecessary risks while capitalising when openings present themselves. Though he has yet to face the depth of opposition that Leavitt has encountered inside the UFC, his trajectory suggests a fighter confident in his tools and ready for a step up. This contest represents his biggest test to date against a seasoned UFC veteran with a dangerous submission game.
Jordan Leavitt vs Yadier del Valle prediction
The key dynamic in this fight revolves around control of range and where the exchanges take place. Leavitt’s clearest path to victory is through grappling. If he can consistently secure takedowns and establish top control, he has the creativity and submission acumen to threaten del Valle. However, del Valle’s composure and physicality could present problems. If he maintains distance, defends the initial takedown attempts and forces Leavitt to engage in prolonged striking exchanges, the Cuban’s power and natural size at featherweight may prove decisive.
Leavitt’s move down in weight adds intrigue, but it also introduces uncertainty. Against an undefeated and confident opponent who appears comfortable at 145 pounds, any dip in durability or strength could be costly. Expect competitive early moments, particularly in scrambles, but over the course of three rounds del Valle’s pressure and sharper striking should begin to separate him.
Prediction: Yadier del Valle to win
