The highly anticipated UFC 301 event in Rio de Janeiro features an exciting card with flyweight champion Alexandre Panto defending his title against Steve Erceg in a bout that could redefine the division. Here are the breakdowns and predictions for each fight by MMA analyst Manpreet.
1. Costa vs. Borjas
- Prediction: Borjas by KO in the second round.
- Odds Mentioned: Costa at -140, Borjas at +120.
- Manpreet’s Thoughts: Costa’s aggressive style may backfire against Borjas, who is disciplined and could capitalize with better striking and defensive grappling.
2. Bonfim vs. Pichel
- Prediction: Bonfim by finish in the second or third round.
- Odds Mentioned: Bonfim heavily favored at -525.
- Manpreet’s Thoughts: Despite the age gap, Bonfim’s superior skill set is likely to prevail, especially if Pichel fades after an initial strong start.
3. Barbosa vs. Kareckaite
- Prediction: Barbosa by decision.
- Odds Mentioned: Barbosa at -200.
- Manpreet’s Thoughts: Barbosa’s grappling advantage could be key, though the fight may be closer if Kareckaite can keep it standing.
4. Ruffy vs. Mullarkey
- Prediction: Ruffy by KO.
- Odds Mentioned: Ruffy at -170.
- Manpreet’s Thoughts: Ruffy’s striking is lethal, though Mullarkey could pull an upset if he withstands the initial onslaught.
5. Silva vs. Klose
- Prediction: Klose by decision.
- Odds Mentioned: Klose at -160.
- Manpreet’s Thoughts: Klose’s all-around skills and experience might be too much for Silva, who has struggled with consistency.
6. Silva vs. Gomis
- Prediction: Silva by decision.
- Odds Mentioned: Silva at -155.
- Manpreet’s Thoughts: Silva’s striking and slight power edge could help him edge out a decision in what’s expected to be a closely contested bout.
7. Brener vs. Orolbai
- Prediction: Orolbai by decision.
- Odds Mentioned: Orolbai at -270.
- Manpreet’s Thoughts: Orolbai’s relentless grappling and pace are likely to overwhelm Brener over the course of the fight.
8. Kowalkiewicz vs. Lucindo
- Prediction: Lucindo by decision.
- Odds Mentioned: Lucindo at -425.
- Manpreet’s Thoughts: Lucindo’s grappling might control the fight, though Kowalkiewicz’s improved defense could make it competitive.
9. Shore vs. Brito
- Prediction: Shore by decision.
- Odds Mentioned: Brito at -140.
- Manpreet’s Thoughts: Shore’s grinding style and better wrestling might nullify Brito’s aggressive tactics.
10. Craig vs. Borralho
- Prediction: Borralho by KO.
- Odds Mentioned: Borralho at -500.
- Manpreet’s Thoughts: Borralho’s versatility and striking prowess are expected to dominate against Craig, who struggles against top-tier strikers.
11. Pereira vs. Potieria
- Prediction: Pereira by KO in the second round.
- Odds Mentioned: Pereira at -600.
- Manpreet’s Thoughts: Pereira’s dynamic striking and athleticism should be too much for Potieria, likely leading to a knockout.
12. Smith vs. Petrino
- Prediction: Petrino by decision.
- Odds Mentioned: Petrino at -550.
- Manpreet’s Thoughts: Petrino’s prime form and well-rounded abilities should see him comfortably get past Smith, who has been inconsistent of late.
13. Martinez vs. Aldo
- Prediction: Aldo by KO.
- Odds Mentioned: Aldo at +145.
- Manpreet’s Thoughts: Aldo’s striking experience and prowess could prove too much for Martinez, potentially leading to a knockout victory.
14. Pantoja vs. Erceg
- Prediction: IG by KO in the fourth round.
- Odds Mentioned: Pantoja at -190.
- Manpreet’s Thoughts: Pantoja’s experience might initially pose a challenge, but Erceg’s resilience and striking could turn the tide in the later rounds.
