TJ Brown (D) (14-6) vs. Jordan Griffin (17-7)
Narrative: Dana White’s Contender Series winner TJ Brown makes his debut against the birthday boy Jordan Griffin, who turned 30 on Friday. Griffin has his back to the wall with two straight losses, while Brown rides into town on a four-fight win streak. Brown is also one of the few debuting fighters at UFC Norfolk not stepping in on short notice.
Shawn Bitter: This is a very good and fun fight that has potential to be Fight of the Night. Brown is a fast starter and Griffin is someone who never backs down. I believe where Griffin has the best shot is in the grappling department. He’s very skilled but does make a lot of mistakes and losses position. Brown is a good wrestler and submission threat, and I think he can muscle Griffin around on the feet. Brown does have a shaky chin but Griffin isn’t going to be the guy to test it. I would even say Brown is the better striker. Watch out for his head kick because Griffin keeps his hands low.
Max Freedman: Brown just doesn’t know how to win a fight without getting a finish and he’ll do just that in the 3rd round after being down two rounds. Brown SUB (3).
Kristen King: I can see this fight being a fun, back-and-forth affair, but I think TJ Brown is the better fighter overall despite both men being pretty evenly matched. The fight will more than likely remain standing for some time before it inevitably gets to the ground, where Brown will go to work and probably wrap up a submission on Griffin. Brown wins his UFC debut by way of second-round submission in my eyes.
Anthony Walker: N/A
Keith Shillan: Brown
Marcel Dorff: TJ Brown was one of three fighters earning a contract on the final DWCS of 2019. Brown defeated Dylan Lockard. He takes on fellow DWCS alumni Jordan Griffin. Griffin lost both his fights in the UFC against Dan Ige and Chas Skelly but was competitive in both losses. I expect Griffin to get his first win in the UFC here, Probably via a late Submission.
Ryan Fortune: Brown
Daniel Vreeland: Griffin
