The excitement is ramping up for UFC 301 with a fight card featuring 14 bouts, including a title clash between Alexandre Pantoja and Steve Erceg. The event promises intense matchups with notable Brazilian contenders participating in each fight. Here’s a detailed breakdown and prediction for each fight on the card, brought to you by DFS by the Numbers.
Alessandro Costa vs. Kevin Borjas
- Odds: Costa -135, Borjas +115
- Prediction: Alessandro Costa by submission, second round.
- Analysis: Costa showcases a well-rounded skill set with significant striking power and a strong grappling background. Despite some setbacks, his performance potential remains high against Borjas, who has shown vulnerabilities, especially on the ground.
Ismael Bonfim vs. Vinc Pichel
- Odds: Bonfim -550, Pichel +400
- Prediction: Ismael Bonfim by unanimous decision.
- Analysis: Bonfim brings a youthful vigor and striking prowess that could dominate the older and less active Pichel. With a significant age and activity advantage, Bonfim is expected to control the fight, particularly on the feet.
Dione Barbosa vs. Ernesta Kareckaite
- Odds: Barbosa -195, Kareckaite +170
- Prediction: Ernesta Kareckaite by decision.
- Analysis: In a striker vs. grappler matchup, Kareckaite’s high-volume striking could edge out if she manages to neutralize Barbosa’s grappling threats. Expect a closely contested bout with Kareckaite leveraging her striking to secure a decision.
Mauricio Ruffy vs. Jamie Mullarkey
- Odds: Ruffy -175, Mullarkey +150
- Prediction: Mauricio Ruffy by knockout, first round.
- Analysis: Ruffy’s significant power poses a major threat to Mullarkey’s known chin issues. Anticipate a striking display that could end the night early for Mullarkey.
Drakkar Klose vs. Joaquim Silva
- Odds: Klose -155, Silva +135
- Prediction: Drakkar Klose by knockout, third round.
- Analysis: Klose’s superior volume and cardio could be the key in this fight. Silva’s toughness is notable, but Klose’s ability to execute a more polished game plan should lead him to a late finish.
Jean Silva vs. Willam Gomis
- Odds: Silva -140, Gomis +120
- Prediction: Jean Silva by decision.
- Analysis: Silva’s aggressive style contrasts with Gomis’ more calculated approach, which often leads to less engaging fights. Silva’s forward pressure and ability to engage more actively might sway judges if it goes to the scorecards.
Myktybek Orolbai vs. Elves Brener
- Odds: Orolbai -270, Brener +230
- Prediction: Myktybek Orolbai by decision.
- Analysis: Orolbai’s comprehensive skill set in both striking and grappling makes him a formidable opponent. Brener’s resilience will likely extend the fight, but Orolbai’s versatility should earn him the decision.
Iasmin Lucindo vs. Karolina Kowalkiewicz
- Odds: Lucindo -425, Kowalkiewicz +355
- Prediction: Iasmin Lucindo by decision.
- Analysis: Lucindo’s youth and aggression are expected to overwhelm Kowalkiewicz, who has struggled against top-tier opponents. Lucindo should control the pace and location of the fight, leading to a dominant decision victory.
Joanderson Brito vs. Jack Shore
- Odds: Brito -150, Shore +130
- Prediction: Joanderson Brito by knockout, first round.
- Analysis: Brito’s power and ability to capitalize on moments should prove too much for Shore, especially with Shore moving up in weight class.
Caio Borralho vs. Paul Craig
- Odds: Borralho -550, Craig +400
- Prediction: Caio Borralho by decision.
- Analysis: Borralho’s well-rounded skills and ability to control the fight both on the ground and standing make him a tough matchup for Craig, who struggles against physically imposing and versatile fighters.
Michel Pereira vs. Ihor Potieria
- Odds: Pereira -600, Potieria +425
- Prediction: Michel Pereira by knockout, first round.
- Analysis: Pereira’s move to middleweight has revitalized his power, making him a dangerous finisher early in fights. Expect a dynamic performance that could end quickly.
