Clayton Carpenter vs. Lucas Rocha: UFC Fight Night 244 Prelims Fight Preview & Predictiona month ago
This exciting flyweight bout between Clayton Carpenter and Lucas Rocha is set to be a major highlight of UFC Fight Night 244. Both fighters are undefeated in their recent performances and possess unique skill sets, making this matchup highly intriguing.

Clayton Carpenter («MMA Lab»)

* Age: 28
* Height: 5’5" / 165 cm
* Weight: 125 lbs / 56.7 kg
* Record: 7-0
* Association: MMA Lab

Carpenter enters this fight with a perfect 7-0 record, displaying well-rounded skills in both striking and grappling. With 43% of his victories coming by submission and 29% by knockout, he is a versatile fighter who can finish opponents in multiple ways. His most recent victory was an impressive submission win over Juancamilo Ronderos at UFC Fight Night 219. Carpenter’s striking power, combined with his grappling pedigree, makes him a dangerous competitor in the flyweight division.

Clayton Carpenter - Last 3 Fights

* Submission Win vs. Juancamilo Ronderos – UFC Fight Night 219 (February 18, 2023)
* Unanimous Decision Win vs. Edgar Chairez – Dana White’s Contender Series (August 9, 2022)
* KO Win vs. Rodney Kealohi – LFA 119 (December 3, 2021)

Lucas Rocha («Fenomeno»)

* Age: 24
* Height: 5’4" / 162.5 cm
* Weight: 125 lbs / 56.7 kg
* Record: 17-1
* Association: Renovacao Coari Team

Rocha, with a remarkable 17-1 record, has been a knockout artist in the flyweight division, with 59% of his wins coming via KO/TKO. Known for his explosive striking, Rocha’s last victory was a devastating knockout win over Davi Bittencourt in Dana White’s Contender Series, where he finished his opponent in just 18 seconds. Rocha has also shown a solid submission game, making him a well-rounded threat. His only loss came by knockout early in his career, but since then, he has been on a dominant run.

Lucas Rocha - Last 3 Fights

* KO Win vs. Davi Bittencourt – Dana White’s Contender Series (October 10, 2023)
* Unanimous Decision Win vs. Matheus da Silva Severino – LFA 159 (May 27, 2023)
* TKO Win vs. Eduardo Castro – CSYSL (August 2, 2022)

Fight Breakdown

This fight promises to be a high-paced battle between two young and hungry fighters. Carpenter’s grappling ability and strong ground game could be key to neutralizing Rocha’s knockout power. Rocha, on the other hand, will look to keep the fight standing and use his striking to overwhelm Carpenter. The key for Carpenter will be to avoid Rocha’s power shots and take the fight to the ground where he can use his submission skills. If the fight remains on the feet, Rocha’s knockout ability could play a major role.

Prediction

Clayton Carpenter’s grappling edge may allow him to control the fight if he can close the distance and avoid Rocha’s dangerous strikes. Rocha’s knockout power makes him a constant threat, but Carpenter’s well-roundedness gives him a slight advantage.

Prediction: Clayton Carpenter by Submission (Round 2).