Welcome to the UFC: Brad Riddell and Jamie Mullarkey

By
Shawn Bitter
-
UFC Philadelphia
UFC Philadelphia - Wells Fargo Center Credit: Jay Anderson/Cageside Press

A pair of debuting fighters in Brad Riddell and Jamie Mullarkey will face off at UFC 243 in Melbourne this Saturday.

The UFC is coming to Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, in Marvel Stadium for UFC 243. The event is expected to be a banger. A middleweight title unification bout between Robert Whittaker and Israel Adesanya headlines the card. Tai Tuivasa returns. Megan Anderson is in action. The event also features two debutants going against each other in Brad Riddell and Jamie Mullarkey.

How will Riddell fare in the UFC:

Not having much experience in his MMA career, Riddell has over sixty kickboxing bouts. Riddell became a well know fighter when he beat John Wayne Parr, and held multiple titles. Being so accomplished on the feet you wouldn’t be surprised to know his sole loss in MMA is by submission. You may be surprised to learn, however, that it was Riddel who got the takedown, only to have his opponent lock in an armbar off his back. Riddell has mixed in takedowns pretty well in his career; while he needs to do more on top, his timing and execution is fine. Obviously, he is way more polished on the feet with various weapons. Riddell is a pocket striker who will land huge strikes to the head and body from different angles. He will also end combinations with kicks which is one of his best weapons. 

How will Mullarkey fare in the UFC:

Mullarkey is unknown for the most part yet very deserving of this UFC shot. His only losses were to UFC featherweight title contender Alex Volkanovski, and Luke Catubig. While the Catubig loss might take some shine off, he was dominating that fight until the stoppage.

On the feet, Mullarkey does a fantastic job mixing it up in his attacks. The Australian is a very technical fighter who will pump out his jab, throw kicks, and let his hands get going, meshing it all together well. Mullarkey does often get drawn into brawls but has some big power in his hands so he is very dangerous. He has however been tagged and knocked out before, so his chin is a concern. Mullarkey usually mixes it up in all his fights using his wrestling. On top though, is where Mullarkey does his best work as he does have three submissions as well as really the ground and pound. He is known for the elbows he throws on top posturing up in side control and full guard not even needing mount. His weaknesses are his chin against power strikers, his gas tank as the fight goes on, and his takedown defense, which might be his biggest issue.

How do Riddell and Mullarkey match up:

You would think Riddell would have a big advantage on the feet but that may not be the case. Riddell does hit harder which could be the biggest factor. Mullarkey though is very game and dangerous in his own right. Mullarkey has a good chance of being the one to set the pace with his jab and arguably throwing more output. It will be a gamble for Mullarkey to stand and trade with Riddell as his best path to victory is on the mat. Mullarkey should be able to take Riddell down and if he does, he’s likely to pull off the win. It is a tough fight to call but due to MMA experience and more ways to win the favorite is Mullarkey.

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