These two are kind of similar.
They are both Dana White Contender series alums, and neither of them had a smooth path from the show to the UFC. Pickett lost twice, in 2017 and 2019, and finally got signed after a win in his 3^rd appearance on the show in 2020. Whereas Holmes won, but Dana wanted Holmes to get more experience. So Dana – makes Holmes the main event of a Fury FC show! Dana never makes fights the night of an event. But he will make a main event for some other promotion by offering a kid who just stepped out of the cage another fight like 5 weeks later. It was weird. But it all worked out, Holmes got a 1^st round KO, and was featured on Dana’s YouTube show ‘Looking for a fight’.

But aside from their DWCS history, these long middleweights are both trying to prove they belong in the UFC.

Jamie Picket has 2 wins in his 6 fights between both the UFC and DWCS. And he continues to get these opportunities, I assume, because people at the UFC see what we all see! There is something more there with Jamie Pickett. If he would just pull the trigger a little more, or be a bit more aggressive? It is hard to put your finger on exactly. But he has been frustrating to watch at times, you feel he has more to show. And in this sport, you need to keep an eye out for those fighters who all of a sudden breakout, fighters that find their confidence or that perfect groove that propels them forward. I hope Pickett can find that groove.

He will be taking on Joseph Holmes, a young Middleweight making his UFC debut and he has a near perfect record. Holmes only loss in MMA came in his pro debut against a very tough opponent via decision on a Bellator show. He was 4-0 as an amateur and has finished all his pro wins. He is 6’4”, has an 80” reach and he is only 26 years old! And something about losing your pro debut almost makes you destined for greatness.. strange how often that happens.

But Holmes is known mostly for his grappling, even though he won his last fight with a clean KO. The thing to watch with Holmes, is how quickly he is improving. Each time out he looks more and more polished.

Both these guys have very little room to fall in the pecking order of the UFC ranks, but they will both go into this fight believing this is the start of their UFC run..

These low profile, high stakes fights between prospects are always great. Looking forward to it.

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