Francis Marshall: Marcelo Rojo fight will be striker vs. grappler classic at UFC on ESPN 42

Francis Marshall is expecting a clash of styles against Marcelo Rojo at UFC on ESPN 42.

Marshall (6-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC) meets Rojo (16-9 MMA, 0-2 UFC) at Saturday’s event at Amway Center in Orlando, Fla. The card airs on ESPN and streams on ESPN+.

The Dana White’s Contender Series graduate made quite the impression on UFC president White with his contract-winning performance in August, and hopes he can replicate that against Rojo.

“I think it’s a good matchup for me,” Marshall told MMA Junkie. “He has a lot of experience. He’s a good striker, so it should be a classic striker vs. grappler match.

“Hopefully (I) make a good impression – walk away with the finish would be ideal and just set the tone for the future.”

Although Rojo has dropped his first two UFC fights, he has shown plenty of heart and willingness to throw down. But Marshall says he’ll be wise to that and won’t get lured into his game.

“I’m not too worried about if he tries to turn it into a brawl,” Marshall said. “I could always take him down if I want to or I can always punch him back, so nothing I’m worried about.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 42