Prediction: Jamie Mullarkey via Decision
Mullarkey has the more complete offensive toolset, plain and simple. He’s not just a guy who throws volume. He’s constantly moving, using his footwork to stay safe, defensively aware with his head movement, and sharp with his counters. The times we’ve seen him lose, it’s either been because he stood still too long and got clipped, or he was dealing with someone who was just clearly the better striker. Bedoya doesn’t really check either of those boxes.
What Bedoya does bring is pressure and aggression. He’s in your face, he throws, and he doesn’t shy away from exchanges. But that same pressure comes with massive openings. He’s all offense, little defense, and that’s tailor made for a guy like Mullarkey who thrives on reading those mistakes and firing back. Every time Bedoya rushes in, Mullarkey has the tools to make him pay, whether that’s with counters up top or takedowns when the timing is right.
Takedowns are another piece of the puzzle that tilts this toward Mullarkey. He can mix it up whenever he wants. He’s not dependent on wrestling, but it’s there to break rhythm and bank control time if he needs it. Add in the fact that Mullarkey’s cardio has never been in question—he can push a high pace for all 15 minutes and it’s hard to see Bedoya winning unless he lands something huge early.
Stack it all together, Mullarkey should be the guy having the bigger moments over and over. He’s got the defense, the mobility, the counters, and the ability to blend in grappling. Bedoya’s aggression might make things wild in spurts, but Mullarkey’s the one with the answers.