Matt Schnell vs. Cody Durden UFC Fight Night 242 Main Card Showdown
The UFC Apex in Las Vegas is set to host a compelling bantamweight clash as Matt Schnell faces Cody Durden in the main card opener of UFC Fight Night 242. This fight brings together two fighters looking to rebound, with one stepping in on short notice. MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom offers a quick breakdown of what to expect when these two Octagon veterans collide.
A Familiar Face Returns to Action
Matt Schnell, with a professional record of 16 wins and 8 losses (6-6 in the UFC), enters this bout seeking to break a winless streak. His last victory came in July 2022 against Su Mudaerji. Since then, Schnell has faced tough competition, suffering defeats at the hands of Matheus Nicolaud and Steve Erceg. His upcoming opponent, Cody Durden, is stepping in as a late replacement, adding an element of unpredictability to the matchup. This short-notice opportunity presents a chance for Schnell to get back on track against a familiar opponent within the UFC’s bantamweight division.
Durden Steps Up on Short Notice
Cody Durden, holding a record of 16 wins, 6 losses, and 1 draw (5-4-1 in the UFC), will be making a quick turnaround to face Schnell. Durden also finds himself in a position where he needs to snap a two-fight losing skid. His recent performances have seen him fall to opponents, a stark contrast to his earlier success in the promotion. Prior to these setbacks, Durden had put together an impressive four-fight win streak, defeating fighters like JP Buys, Carl Moore, Charles Johnson, and Jake Hadley. His willingness to take this fight on short notice, despite his recent results, speaks to his dedication and desire to compete.
Tactical Analysis and Betting Lines
This scheduled bantamweight contest between Schnell and Durden has become the main card opener due to a late change. Schnell was originally slated to face Alessandro Costa, who had to withdraw at the last minute. Durden now steps in, also looking to overcome a recent two-fight losing streak. While Durden deserves credit for accepting this challenge on short notice, the betting lines are somewhat surprising. Durden is installed as a significant favorite, with Schnell as the underdog. Durden has shown improvements in his striking, particularly since joining American Top Team. However, he hasn’t consistently displayed the one-punch knockout power that has historically troubled Schnell. Conversely, Schnell possesses a highly effective submission game that has proven problematic for Durden in the past. Given this dynamic, there’s a strong possibility Schnell could secure a first-round submission victory. The public and oddsmakers are leaning heavily towards Durden (-333) over Schnell (+250), according to FanDuel. This bout is expected to kick off the main card around 735 PM ET (435 PM PT) and will be broadcast on ESPN+.
