Winless in his most recent two performances prior to Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 253 and on the last fight of his contract, Brundage (11-6 MMA, 5-5 UFC) had a lot on the line facing Julian Marquez in the co-main event of the card. A loss to Marquez (9-6 MMA, 3-5 UFC) could’ve prompted his exit from the UFC, upping the pressure.

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 253 odds between Cody Brundage vs. Julian Marquez, with MMA picks and predictions.

Both Brundage and Marquez indeed have durability issues, but Marquez’s chin has been cracked repeatedly to the point that any clean shot will likely end his night. Brundage has shown that while he lacks defensive awareness, he can close the distance and make good use of his heavy hands and wrestling.

Former training partners Cody Brundage and Julian Marquez went toe-to-toe at UFC Vegas 103, and only one was left standing.

UFC Middleweight star Cody Brundage sat down with Khel Now for an exclusive interview ahead of his fight against Julian Marquez this Saturday.

Fight Night coverage begins Saturday, March 1, at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN+ and Disney+. The main card is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.

Kape is perhaps the best athlete in the Flyweight division, with striking his strong suit and takedowns what he is looking to avoid. Kape defends takedowns at a 77 percent clip, the eighth-best figure in UFC history, while Almabayev will certainly attempt to push the pace with his cardio and tire out his opponent.

The UFC's first event of March is now in the books. Last night's show wasn't a marquee one, but it may have produced a title challenger.

Cody Brundage and Julian Marquez need to get back on the winning track. Which middleweight has an edge in the UFC Vegas 103 co-feature?