VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Spike Carlyle might be giving up quite a bit of height and reach, but thinks his upcoming matchup plays in his favor.

Carlyle (8-1 MMA) makes his promotional debut Saturday at UFC on ESPN+ 27 in Norfolk, Va., against fellow debutant and Dana White’s Contender Series contract winner Aalon Cruz (8-2 MMA).

Cruz secured his UFC contract with a devastating flying knee. But Carlyle, who’s known for his aggressive style and high finishing rate, is confident that stylistically, he’ll have the upper hand.

“Aalon is tall, rangy, and I watched some footage from his last loss (and) another win, so I’ve studied him,” Carlyle said. “Obviously in his last fight, he was primarily striking. But I know he’s comfortable going to the ground, as well. Unfortunately, this is a terrible matchup for him and you guys will see why on Saturday night.”

Known for his entertaining walkouts, Carlyle, who’s spent time at Treigning Lab and Kings MMA in California, likes to put on a show both inside and outside the cage. His finishes have come both on the feet and on the ground, showing he’s comfortable wherever the fight goes.

Saturday night, Carlyle is ready to introduce himself to the masses.

“I’m the Alpha Ginger. I’ve been a martial artist my whole life,” Carlyle said. “I think I represent all aspects of the fight game, meaning I don’t believe I’m just a martial artist or just a fighter, just an athlete – but I’m the complete manifestation of all of them.”