We're back and set to bring you another prediction and pick for UFC 293 from Sydney, Australia. We continue our coverage of the Prelims with this next bout in the Lightweight (155 lb) Division. Australia's own Jamie Mullarkey will take on Canada's John Makdessi. Check out our UFC odds series for our Mullarkey-Makdessi prediction and pick.

Jamie Mullarkey (16-6) has split his UFC fight at 4-4 since 2019. He comes into this fight 3-2 in his last five, including back-to-back impressive wins over Michael Johnson and Francisco Prado. He was stopped via ground strikes in his last fight against Muhammad Naimov and will be hoping to rebound in a big way with the crowd on his side. Mullarkey stands 6'0″ with a 74-inch reach.

John Makdessi (18-8) has managed a 10-8 record in the UFC since joining back in 2010. He's had a number of cancelled fights and has been relatively inactive since 2019, posting just a 1-2 record in three fights. Makdessi saw the distance in each of those fights, winning one in split fashion and losing the other two unanimously. He'll face another hungry prospect in Jamie Mullarkey. Makdessi stands 5'8″ with a 68-inch reach.

Here are the UFC Odds, courtesy of FanDuel. 

UFC 293 Odds: Jamie Mullarkey-John Makdessi Odds

Jamie Mullarkey: -280

John Makdessi: +210

Over 2.5 rounds: -210

Under 2.5 rounds: +162

How to Watch Jamie Mullarkey vs. John Makdessi

TV: ESPNEWS

Stream: ESPN+, UFC Fight Pass, fuboTV

Time: 8:00 p.m. ET/ 5:00 p.m. PT (Prelims)

*Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (click for a free trial)*

Why Jamie Mullarkey Will Win

Jamie Mullarkey comes into this fight with a very basic, yet effective striking game. He marches forward and leads with a straight jab while loading up his power shot. In the pocket, Mullarkey is quick with hooks and uppercuts while maintaining a fairly solid chin. He struggles at points to find his rhythm and doesn't utilize a ton of foot movement. Expect Mullarkey to walk right into Makdessi as the tough exchange heavy shots in the pocket.

To win this fight, Jamie Mullarkey should look to circle to octagon and consistently cut Makdessi off with his jab. He's got a significant reach advantage and fights well when using it correctly. If he can keep Makdessi at the end of his punches, it'll negate any opportunities for the takedown and should keep this fight at a comfortable striking distance for Mullarkey. With neither guy being much of a finisher, Mullarkey has the more consistent output over three rounds.

Why John Makdessi Will Win

John Makdessi hasn't been incredibly active over the last four years and it's shown in his last three fights. Still, he's been able to avoid being finished and fought very well in one of those fights. He'll be working as the shorter fighter here, so Makdessi will have to use his movement to work his way inside against Mullarkey. Makdessi has very powerful hands for the weight class and could see some success from landing heavy shots to the body in this one.

To win this fight, Makdessi will have to land the more convincing blows when these two come together. While he's got nine of his career wins by knockout, Makdessi has fought to a decision in his last six consecutive fights. If he can counter the distance Mullarkey has over him, Makdessi could come out as the fresher guy by the third round. Don't be surprised if we see John Makdessi work relentlessly for a takdeown as he tries to gain control time on his opponent.

Final Jamie Mullarkey–John Makdessi Prediction & Pick

Jamie Mullarkey is nine years younger than John Makdessi and much closer to his peak as a fighter compared to a vet. Mullarkey will also be the much bigger guy in the cage and while he gives up some points in strength, he's very long and does a good job of stuffing takedowns along the fence. Expect him to be very defensive in everything Makdessi throws at him in the wrestling while setting the pace on the feet.

For the prediction, let's go with Jamie Mullarkey to get the job done in front of the home Australia fans. His size and reach are the biggest factors in this matchup as he could overwhelm Makdessi with sheer volume alone. Makdessi has a slight edge on the ground, but expect Mullarkey to be very diligent in standing this fight back up. Both fighters have seen a decision in two of their last three fights, so expect this one to drag out over three rounds as we side with the over.

Final Jamie Mullarkey-John Makdessi Prediction & Pick: Jamie Mullarkey (-280); OVER 2.5 Rounds (-210)