Unbeaten heavyweight RJ Harris will take on Allen Frye Jr. at UFC Vegas 122, aiming to extend his perfect professional record. Harris, 6-0 with a 1-0 UFC record, impressed in his promotional debut with a first-round TKO over Alvin Hines in July. Frye Jr., 6-1 with a 0-1 UFC record, enters fresh off a unanimous decision loss to Guilherme Pat last December but carries significant knockout power.
Harris has demonstrated versatility inside the octagon, mixing striking with submissions. Before his UFC debut, he submitted Peni Latu with a guillotine choke in the second round in April. His ability to finish fights both standing and on the ground gives him multiple avenues to victory against Frye, who relies heavily on striking.
Frye’s knockout power is his defining trait, with six of his seven professional wins coming by way of knockout, five of those in the first round. His last win was a first-round stoppage over Justin Frazier, showcasing his ability to finish quickly. However, his striking defense is noted as a potential weakness, particularly against an opponent willing to press forward and force exchanges like Harris.
At the weigh-ins, Harris tipped the scales at 261 pounds, giving him a 15-pound advantage over Frye, who weighed 246. That size difference could be significant in clinch situations and grappling exchanges, though weight alone doesn’t guarantee control in heavyweight bouts.
Harris’s aggressive style, combined with his submission skills, may discourage Frye from relying solely on striking. Harris’s pressure and ability to mix levels could unsettle Frye and reduce the latter’s chances to unleash his power punches effectively.
Frye must avoid a passive approach and look to establish his reach early, using straight punches to keep Harris at bay. His ability to land a fight-changing punch quickly could disrupt Harris’s rhythm and tilt the fight in his favour. However, Frye’s previous UFC debut loss raises questions about how he handles pressure against opponents with varied skill sets.
The odds reflect Harris as the favourite, listed at -355 by DraftKings, with Frye at +280. The betting markets suggest Harris’s finishing ability and unbeaten record give him the edge.
The fight is scheduled to take place on the prelims of UFC Vegas 122, which also features the bout between Allen and Duncan. Harris’s brief UFC history leaves some uncertainty about his stamina and ability to maintain pressure over multiple rounds. Frye’s power threat could test that, especially early in the fight.
Harris’s combination of wrestling, submissions, and striking power makes him a multifaceted opponent. Frye’s path to victory depends on landing early, heavy shots that can alter the fight’s trajectory before Harris settles into his game plan.
With both fighters looking to prove their UFC credentials, the clash at UFC Vegas 122 promises to be a compelling heavyweight contest. The latest confirmed development is the weigh-in results confirming Harris at 261 pounds and Frye at 246 pounds, setting the stage for a physical encounter.
According to Yahoo Sports.
