At every event, a guest analyst shares their perspective and picks for each MMA matchup.
For BFL 68, Isaiah Metituk (1-2) has volunteered his picks and breakdown of the nine MMA contests on the card.
Metituk wrapped up a hectic 2021 campaign with three pro bouts, highlighted by a win over Broderick Rene at BTC 10. He's expected to return to the cage sometime in early 2022.
Below are Metituk's selections for BFL 68:
Gio Platon (2-0) vs. Serhiy Sidey (4-1): PRO Bantamweight Title Bout** FIGHT PREVIEW
"What an excellent championship bout to close out the first of what should be fantastic back-to-back cards. Platon's power shown in his recent fights has been truly intimidating, and Sidey has demonstrated he carries heavy hands too. I believe Platon's edge comes from facing stiffer competition recently and staying more active in the gym."
Prediction: Platon wins via TKO in the third round.
Christian Tremayne (2-1) vs. Austin Batra (0-1): PRO Lightweight
"This is another excellent pairing, with Batra returning for the first time since 2019 and Tremayne making his debut since 2017. Batra brings a strong wrestling foundation combined with explosive power, while Tremayne has demonstrated a comprehensive skill set while training alongside elite talent at Revolution. At this stage, I believe Tremayne possesses slightly more weapons in his arsenal, and I expect him to capitalize on those advantages."
Prediction: Tremayne wins via unanimous decision.
Josh Kwiatkowski (5-3) vs. John Nguyen (2-2): PRO Featherweight KWIATKOWSKI PREVIEW, NGUYEN PREVIEW
"Forget fight of the night, forget fight of the weekend, this is my pick for fight of the year. Both these guys come in with a kill-or-be-killed mindset and both will be extra motivated to get back in the win column with both coming off tough losses. And being close with both of these guys let me tell you, they are locked in, which is exactly why I cannot pick a winner here and will be saying this goes to a draw in what should be an absolute blood and guts, drag 'em down, knock 'em out barnburner."
Prediction: Kwiatkowski and Nguyen fight to a draw.
Bobby Poulter (2-0) vs. Keanan Kellar (2-1): PRO Welterweight
"This is another fantastic showcase bout featuring two highly regarded prospects. Kellar is aiming to bounce back from his first professional defeat against Kyran Cameron, while Poulter is positioning himself for a shot at the title. Both athletes train at premier camps—Kellar primarily at Universal under Dejan Kajic, and Poulter at BTC alongside top-tier fighters like Adam Assenza. I believe Kellar's reach advantage will prove decisive, allowing him to control distance, defend against takedowns, and deploy his striking effectively."
Prediction: Kellar wins via unanimous decision.
Glen Cuevas (0-0) vs. Mitch Strazzella (0-0): PRO Bantamweight
"A compelling pro debut matchup that I'm tracking closely. Both competitors possess solid hand skills and faced challenging opposition during their amateur careers. Strazzella embraces an aggressive, dirty-fighting approach reminiscent of Diaz, while Cuevas offers a broader array of techniques and greater mobility."
Prediction: Cuevas wins via unanimous decision.
James Foster (2-2-1) vs. Terence Jeffers-Harris (0-0): PRO 195 pounds
"An intriguing matchup here as 'Jungle James' faces a former professional football player. Although Jeffers-Harris certainly brings exceptional strength and athleticism, veteran experience should ultimately decide this contest. I expect the seasoned Foster to land the heavy shot he's consistently hunting."
Prediction: Foster wins via knockout in the first round.
Oguzhan Yalcin (3-1) vs. Amin Almelik (0-0): AMATEUR Featherweight Title Bout
"A solid amateur championship contest between two fighters nearing professional status. Yalcin boasts an impressive wrestling base, and the five-round format plays into his strengths. Almelik possesses quality Muay Thai skills, but I see Yalcin's takedown game overwhelming him."
Prediction: Yalcin wins via TKO in the fourth round.
Brandon Labrecque (2-4) vs. Brad Barrick (1-1): AMATEUR Featherweight
"Another compelling amateur bout. Labrecque's record may not look flashy, but he's competed exclusively against the toughest competition available—including Yalcin, who, as noted, is competing for the championship. I expect that elite-level experience to make the difference."
Prediction: Labrecque wins via submission in the second round.
