Stepping up on short notice at UFC Nashville this Saturday is two-time Dana White’s Contender Series veteran Dennis Buzukja. The 25-year old faces Sean Woodson, after Woodson’s original opponent dropped out.
Dennis “The Great” Buzukja
Standing at five-foot-nine
Fighting at 145 lbs (featherweight)
25-years-old
Fighting out of Staten Island, New York, US
Training out of LAW MMA
A pro record of 11-2
4 KO/TKOs, 1 Submission
How will Buzukja fare in the UFC:
Buzukja took the long road to get to the UFC. He fought on the contender series in 2020 and lost a decision to Melsik Baghdasaryan. He was then invited back on CS last year and won that time. Even though he won the fight wasn’t great so he didn’t come out with a contract. To get another opportunity Buzukja kept active even going to Abu Dhabi for UAE Warriors earlier this year to get a win. As he was lacking finishes on his record in the past getting two consecutively earned him this short notice UFC call-up.
Buzukja has looked better than ever recently but it’s important to note that he’s been fighting low-level guys. In fact, everyone he’s beaten nearly has a 50/50 record. With all that said you can still see the growth from where his first Contender Series fight was. Buzukja isn’t one-dimensional as he’s good in every area. In the past, his cardio was a big concern but it’s improved a little. His biggest concern is his striking defense. Especially as long as the fight goes he is more and more vulnerable to getting hit a lot.
Buzukja trains with LAW MMA so being in their training with Aljamain Sterling and Merab Dvalishvili his ground game is gonna be up to par. Yeah, it’s nowhere near those levels but Buzukja does fine in that area. Buzukja is primarily a striker. He marches forward throwing a lot of heat. Buzukja would benefit so much more throwing straight punches instead of throwing hooks. He makes up for it with power and forward pressure. There aren’t many people he’s going to out-strike from a technical standpoint. He will win striking exchanges and at any time can change the outcome with one punch.
There are a lot of guys Buzukja can beat in the featherweight division. He won’t ever be ranked but he fits right at the middle of the division. It’s a good singing from the UFC especially on short notice. He’s going to be in the UFC for a long time but is going to be there to test the up-and-comers more than anything.
How he matches up with Woodson
Woodson came to the UFC with a lot of momentum. Being 6’2″ with a 79.0″ reach is appealing at featherweight. He started off hot in the UFC but then his momentum got shut down by Julian Erosa. His next three fights he didn’t lose but a split against Youssef Zalal and a draw against Luis Saldana are bad looks.
Woodson has excellent boxing skills and knows how to use his length. There is some big cardio and durability concerns. Woodson is going to be huge compared to Buzukja and will have a good timing sticking on the outside with his long punches. Given Buzukja throws a lot of wide hooks he’s going to get picked apart. Buzukja can be a threat if he can get on the inside but I don’t see it happening. The pick is Woodson by decision. Woodson is a -174 favorite but I view him more as a -150.
