UFC 284 Jamie Mullarkey vs Francisco Prado 2/11/2023 Best Picks, Tips and Predictions
Rising prospect Francisco Prado will face a stern test in his UFC debut, as the 20-year-old steps into the octagon for the first time. The promotion has been searching for an opponent to replace Nasrat Haqparast and face Jamie Mullarkey at UFC 284 in Perth, Australia, with Prado (11-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC) finally accepting the challenge.
The showdown is set to take place on February 11, 2023 at RAC Arena, with the main card streaming exclusively on ESPN+ pay-per-view, following the preliminary bouts on ESPN/ESPN+. Sources with knowledge of the bout have confirmed the booking to MMA Junkie, although the UFC has yet to make an official announcement. The match-up was first reported by ESPN Knockout commentator Gaston Reyno.
The highly-touted Francisco Prado, a standout prospect in Latin American MMA, will finally make his much-anticipated UFC debut. Despite his youth, Prado boasts a flawless record of 11 wins, all by finish, solidifying his status as one of the top prospects in the sport. In 2022, he proved his mettle with four more finishes, taking down opponents with records of 8-2, 20-5, 6-0, and 13-3.
UFC 284 Jamie Mullarkey vs Francisco Prado 2/11/2023 Best Picks, Tips and Predictions
Entering the UFC with an impressive 11-0-0 record, including six straight wins in the Samurai Fight House promotion, Francisco Prado brings a well-rounded skill set to the octagon, standing at 5-foot-10 with a background in both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Taekwondo. His first test will come against the experienced UFC veteran, Jamie Mullarkey. The 28-year-old Australian, who holds a 3-3 record in the UFC, stands two inches taller and has a three-inch reach advantage. He is coming off a split-decision victory over Michael Johnson at the UFC Fight Night event on July 9.
In a November interview with MMA Junkie, Francisco Prado confidently declared that fans will take notice of his skills when he makes his UFC debut. Refuting the notion that his young age might hinder his performance, Prado pointed out that he began his martial arts journey at the tender age of six, giving him as much, if not more, experience than other fighters who make it to the UFC. With an unwavering belief in his abilities, Prado stated that his goal is to make history as the youngest UFC champion ever. He issued a challenge to fans, inviting them to pay attention to his career as he sets out to make this a reality and prove that age is just a number.
Jamie Mullarkey will have the home crowd advantage when he steps into the cage for his latest bout, as the fight marks his first in Australia since his UFC debut in October 2019. Boasting a 3-3 record in the promotion, Mullarkey will be looking to build on a recent split-decision victory over Michael Johnson that took place in July. A talented practitioner of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Mullarkey trains at both Magnus MMA and Central Coast MMA, and holds a black belt in the discipline under Noah Magnus. With a versatile fighting style that incorporates his grappling skills, Mullarkey will be a tough challenge for his opponent, Francisco Prado.
Prediction: Mullarkey wins
UFC 284 Jamie Mullarkey vs Francisco Prado
- Date: February 11, 2023
- Location: RAC Arena — Perth, Australia
- Start time: 7:30 p.m. ET (preliminary)
- How to watch: ESPN+ PPV
