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After two back-to-back thrilling events in London and Mexico over the past few weeks, Dana White & Co. is set to bring the action back to American soil with UFC Vegas 105. Headlining the event is a high-stakes featherweight clash between Josh Emmett and Lerone Murphy, as two of the division’s most formidable contenders prepare to go to war inside the UFC Apex. But the excitement doesn’t stop there. The stacked fight card boasts 13 electrifying matchups. Among them, a compelling middleweight showdown between two rising prospects—Torrez Finney and Robert Valentin is set to open the main card.

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Finney, unbeaten in the pro-MMA, aims to push his winning streak to 11, while Valentin, still searching for his first UFC victory, is determined to turn things around. With both fighters eager to leave their mark on the middleweight division, the stakes couldn’t be higher. So, who holds the advantage? Beyond skill, factors like height, reach, and weight could play a crucial role in determining the outcome. Let’s break down the physical attributes and fighting styles of Torrez Finney and Robert Valentin to see what’s in store for UFC Vegas 105.

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Torrez Finney vs. Robert Valentin height and reach comparison

“Size means nothing if you have no heart.” This statement perfectly encapsulates Robert Valentin’s journey in the UFC. In his last fight against Ryan Loder, Valentin entered the Octagon with a slight reach advantage—77 inches to Loder’s 76—but ultimately fell short. Despite both fighters standing at an identical height of 6’2″, it wasn’t enough to tip the scales in Valentin’s favor. As we turn our attention to UFC Vegas 105, the physical matchup takes an interesting turn. Torrez Finney faces a significant size disadvantage in both height and reach.

With a reach of just 75 inches and standing at only 5’8″, he is an outlier in the middleweight division, where most competitors are around 6 feet tall. Yet, if there’s one thing Finney has proven, it’s that size alone doesn’t dictate success. Finney burst onto the UFC scene after a dominant showing on Dana White’s Contender Series, securing three victories that earned him a contract.

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Though his physical attributes may not be as imposing as some of his peers, his background as a former collegiate football player has shaped him into a powerhouse. His strength, explosiveness, and relentless style make him a unique force inside the Octagon. On the other hand, Valentin was a standout on TUF 32 but was submitted in the finals by the aforementioned Loder. With height and reach covered, the next key factor to consider is their walk-around weight—an often-overlooked detail that could play a pivotal role in this middleweight showdown.

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Who weighs more, Finney or Valentin? 

Despite often being the smaller fighter in professional MMA, Torrez Finney has built a reputation for overpowering his opponents with sheer strength and elite wrestling ability. His athletic journey began with dreams of becoming a WWE superstar, inspired by his passion for professional wrestling. In his early years, Finney trained extensively in wrestling but eventually realized that his path lay elsewhere.

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Offered a scholarship to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC), Finney made an unconventional choice. Instead of accepting the scholarship, he opted to walk onto the UTC football team, leveraging his powerful frame and raw athleticism to carve out a place for himself. According to Chattanooga Mocs, Finney weighed around 285 pounds during the 2017-18 season—suggesting that his natural walk-around weight may have hovered near the UFC’s heavyweight division, or even higher.

On the other hand, Robert Valentin competes at 185 pounds in the cage, but his walk-around weight remains undisclosed. However, judging by his physique, it’s likely that his natural weight outside of camp hovers around 210 pounds. Now competing at middleweight, Finney has slimmed down significantly, but his explosive power and physicality still define his fighting style.

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Heading into UFC Vegas 105, the big question is whether those attributes will be enough to overcome Robert Valentin and preserve his undefeated record. Everything will be decided when the dust settles inside the UFC Apex this weekend. So, who are you backing in this highly anticipated middleweight showdown? Share your thoughts below!

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Written by

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Ishan Yadav

2,898 Articles

Ishan Yadav is a Senior UFC Writer at EssentiallySports and a key member of the Breaking News team known for his sharp post-fight coverage and insightful analysis. With a strong editorial instinct and high fight IQ, he skillfully balances the fans' perspective with technical breakdowns to deliver engaging content that resonates throughout the MMA community. His thoughtful takes have gained recognition on platforms like Reddit and from industry insiders, which helped him earn a place in EssentiallySports’ prestigious Journalistic Excellence Program (JEP), our flagship initiative that focuses on refining journalistic skills, enhancing analytical thinking, and deepening sports journalism knowledge through mentorship from seasoned industry veterans. Ishan’s background as a law graduate adds depth to his reporting. He also practiced law after enrolling in the Bar Council. Currently, Ishan is pursuing a Master of Laws in Banking, Corporate, Finance, and Securities Law, and continues to follow his passion for the sport of combat.

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Kshitiz Kumar Singh

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