Liam Lindsay

Michel Pereira is an absolute monster at 185 lbs. He's won two Middleweight fights in 2024, and he's not slowing down.

"Demolidor" dropped Potieria early and followed up with an illegal strike following a backflip. Then, as Potieria attempted to get back to the feet, Pereira locked in the guillotine choke, and that was it.

```iframe
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The oddsmakers are always confident in Israel Adesanya.<br><br>He&#39;s lost 3 fights to Alex Pereira, but the oddsmakers still have him as a favorite heading into this weekend.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFC287?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFC287</a> <a href="https://t.co/0MF4krsH1v">pic.twitter.com/0MF4krsH1v</a></p>&mdash; Verdict (@TournamentsMMA) <a href="https://twitter.com/CSTodayNews/status/1786952406040764776">April 5, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
```

As a member of the Verdict Community, let us know who you want Pereira to fight next.

Michel Pereira Steamrolls Ihor Potieira In Less Than a Minute

Caio Borralho didn't just win, he made it look easy. His victory over Paul Craig at UFC 301 was a stunning start to the main card.

Borralho's control was evident throughout the fight, as he showcased his striking skills with precise jabs and crosses. The finish came in the second round, when he unleashed a devastating flying knee on Craig, swiftly followed by a relentless series of strikes that left the Scotsman flat on the mat.

```iframe
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The oddsmakers are always confident in Israel Adesanya.<br><br>He&#39;s lost 3 fights to Alex Pereira, but the oddsmakers still have him as a favorite heading into this weekend.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFC287?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFC287</a> <a href="https://t.co/0MF4krsH1v">pic.twitter.com/0MF4krsH1v</a></p>&mdash; Verdict (@TournamentsMMA) <a href="https://twitter.com/CSTodayNews/status/1786946647366234294">April 5, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
```

How good did Caio Borralho look? Give us your thoughts with a comment down below.

Caio Borralho KOs Paul Craig After a Dominant Performance at UFC 301

Brito vs. Shore is called off midway through round two after a leg kick from Brito caused a nasty gash on Shore's leg. Brito was in control for most of the fight, but it was still odd for it to be called.

Brito's strategy was clear from the start: apply relentless pressure on Shore. His weapon of choice, the leg kicks, played a significant role in this approach. In the second round, Shore attempted to check another hard low kick, but it resulted in a deep cut below the knee, resulting in the ringside physician intervening and calling the fight.

```iframe
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The oddsmakers are always confident in Israel Adesanya.<br><br>He&#39;s lost 3 fights to Alex Pereira, but the oddsmakers still have him as a favorite heading into this weekend.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFC287?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFC287</a> <a href="https://t.co/0MF4krsH1v">pic.twitter.com/0MF4krsH1v</a></p>&mdash; Verdict (@TournamentsMMA) <a href="https://twitter.com/espnmma/status/1786937907334258767">April 5, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
```

What did you think of the stoppage? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.



Joanderson Brito Secures Bizzare Stoppage Over Jack Shore

Iasmin Lucindo won a unanimous decision over Karolina Kowalkiewicz, snapping the Pole's five-fight winning streak.

Lucindo's control over the fight was evident, particularly in her superior footwork and striking power. She also exploited Kowalkiewicz's grappling weakness, sealing her victory in the eyes of all three judges.

Who would you like to see Lucindo fight next? Let us know with a comment down below.

Iasmin Lucindo Secures UD Win at UFC 301

It was a competitive fight, but Myktybek Orolbai was able to come out with the unanimous decision victory.

Orolbai started the fight very strong, clearly showing a power advantage in the striking exchanges. He was also relentless with his takedowns, but Brenner showed to me more composed on the ground than he was on the feet. More of the same followed in the second, with Brenner succumbing to Orolbai everywhere the fight went. However, in the third, Brenner rallied with a much better round, reversing Orolbai on multiple occasions, but it was Orolbai who was able to secure the lone knockdown of the fight in the third round. A bizarre point deduction following a fence grab also happened during the action of the fight, but it wasn't enough from stopping Orolbai from getting the decision.


```iframe
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The oddsmakers are always confident in Israel Adesanya.<br><br>He&#39;s lost 3 fights to Alex Pereira, but the oddsmakers still have him as a favorite heading into this weekend.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFC287?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFC287</a> <a href="https://t.co/0MF4krsH1v">pic.twitter.com/0MF4krsH1v</a></p>&mdash; Verdict (@TournamentsMMA) <a href="https://twitter.com/ufc/status/1786925737934832070">April 5, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
```

What did you think of the call? As a member of the Verdict Community, let us know in the comments below.

Myktybek Orolbai Wins Competitive Decision Over Elves Brenner

Drakkar Klose spoils the undefeated Brazillian run at UFC 301, claiming a decision win over Joaquim Silva to kick off the prelims. 

Klose was successful in rounds 1 and 2, pot-shotting Silva and managing to control the distance. He is also utilizing the clinch to negate Silva's powerful striking offense. In the third, Silva landed some big shots and nearly secured a guillotine, but it wasn't enough to finish Klose, who got the nod from all three judges.


```iframe
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The oddsmakers are always confident in Israel Adesanya.<br><br>He&#39;s lost 3 fights to Alex Pereira, but the oddsmakers still have him as a favorite heading into this weekend.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFC287?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFC287</a> <a href="https://t.co/0MF4krsH1v">pic.twitter.com/0MF4krsH1v</a></p>&mdash; Verdict (@TournamentsMMA) <a href="https://twitter.com/ufc/status/1786916672164790621">April 5, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
```

What did you think of the fight? Let us know in the comments below.

Drakkar Klose Edges Out Klose Decision vs. Joaquim Silva

Ismael Bonfim is now back in the win column following his first UFC defeat to Benoit Saint-Denis, defeating Vinc Pichel via unanimous decision at UFC 301.

Pichel came in with the correct game plan, attempting to attack Bonfim's legs. But in the second and third rounds, Bonfim was able to light Pichel up on the feet, landing huge body shots and blows to the head. He had moments, but he also displayed patience and was able to secure 30-27s on all scorecards.

> I changed my whole life. I'm back! - Ismael Bonfim

Who would you like to see Ismael Bonfim fight next? As a member of the Verdict Community, let us know in the comments below.

Ismael Bonfim Puts on Impressive Display to Beat Vinc Pichel

After brutalizing his leg in the second round, Alessandro Costa kicks off UFC 301 with a nasty TKO victory over Kevin Borjas.

The first round was a close affair, with both men finding success with their boxing on the feet. Costa was able to drop Borjas at the end of the round with a lead hook but couldn't finish the job. However, in the second round, he timed a perfect leg kick on Borjas's calf and was able to follow up with ground strikes to close the show.

What did you think of Costa's performance? Let us know with a comment down below.

Alessandro Costa TKOs Kevin Borjas to Open UFC 301

UFC 301 goes down this weekend in Brazil, featuring a Flyweight title bout in the main event between Alexandre Pantoja and Steve Erceg. The co-main event will see the final bout of Jose Aldo's UFC career, as he takes on surging prospect Jonathan Martinez. Here are the results from today's weigh-ins.

## Main Card (ESPN+ PPV at 10 p.m. ET)

**_Flyweight:_** Alexandre Pantoja (**125 lbs**) vs. Steve Erceg (**125 lbs**)

**_Bantamweight:_** Jonathan Martinez (**136 lbs**) vs. Jose Aldo (**136 lbs**)

**_Light Heavyweight:_** Anthony Smith (**205.5 lbs**) vs. Vitor Petrino (**206 lbs**)

**_Middleweight:_** Michel Pereira (**186 lbs**) vs. Ihor Potieria (**185 lbs**)

**_Middleweight:_** Paul Craig (**185 lbs**) vs. Caio Borralho (**186 lbs**)

## Preliminary Card (ESPN2/ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET)

**_Featherweight:_** Jack Shore (**145.5 lbs**) vs. Joanderson Brito (**146 lbs**)

**_Strawweight:_** Karolina Kowalkiewicz (**116 lbs**) vs. Iasmin Lucindo (**116 lbs**)

**_Lightweight:_** Elves Brener (**156 lbs**) vs. Myktybek Orolbai (**155.5 lbs**)

**_Featherweight:_** Jean Silva (**146 lbs**) vs. William Gomis (**143 lbs**)

## Early Preliminary Card (ESPN2/ESPN+ at 6 p.m. ET)

**_Lightweight:_** Joaquim Silva (**155.5 lbs**) vs. Drakkar Klose (**156 lbs**)

**_Lightweight:_** Mauricio Ruffy (**156 lbs**) vs. Jamie Mullarkey (**155 lbs**)

**_Flyweight:_** Dione Barbosa (**126 lbs**) vs. Ernesta Kareckaite (**125.5 lbs**)

**_Lightweight:_** Ismael Bonfim (**156 lbs**) vs. Vinc Pichel (**156 lbs**)

**_Flyweight:_** Alessandro Costa (**125 lbs**) vs. Kevin Borjas (**125.5 lbs**)

Jean Silva vs. William Gomias has been removed from the card following a bad weight cut from Gomis.


UFC 301 Weigh-In Results

Douglas Vegas Bets

The UFC is back on PPV live from the Jeunesse Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This card is headlined by Alexandre Pantoja, -182, defending his Flyweight title against the fast-rising Steve Erceg, +157. I went over every fight on the card to give my picks and best bets, so let's get into it.

**Odds provided by BetOnline.ag accurate as of 11:00 AM EST 5/2/2024**

## Alexandre Pantoja -182 vs. Steve Erceg +157

The Flyweight title is on the line here in a surprising main event. Alexander Pantoja has been a dominant force of late, showing his relentless pressure, powerful striking, tremendous grappling, and durability, which has proven to be a weapon in itself. Steve Erceg jumps the ranks here after a highlight knockout of Matt Schnell, where he showed he has solid striking, although he did need to rely on grappling to get the win over Alessandro Costa prior to that.

I took Pantoja here because I see him being better everywhere and having much more top-level experience. I see him finishing Erceg within the first three rounds.

Pick: Pantoja O/U: Under 3.5 +125

## Jonathan Martinez -145 vs. Jose Aldo +125

The return of the King of Rio goes down in our Bantamweight co-main event. Jonathan Martinez has proven to be a deadly striker with some of the best leg kicks in the UFC and improved boxing to go with solid defensive grappling, which he showed in his upset win over Said Nurmagomedov. Jose Aldo returns here off his retirement, and he will do so, having stayed somewhat active in the boxing scene; he has, of course, had his ten-year title reign in the UFC, where he used his freak athleticism to dominate opponents before transitioning to a more boxing heavy style later in his career. 

I've got Aldo to come back and get a win at home here. I see him defending Martinez's leg kicks, as he has always had fantastic defense and is using his hands to get inside and do more damage. 

Pick: Aldo O/U: Under 2.5 +200

## Anthony Smith +425 vs. Vitor Petrino -600

It's a classic veteran vs. prospect matchup here at Light Heavyweight. Anthony Smith has been around this division for a long time, having used a well-rounded style to grind out tough wins, although he enters this having lost three of his last four, with the win being a controversial split decision, and his chin is not holding up the same anymore. Vitor Petrino is a physical specimen with insane strength and power that he has used to quickly reach four victories in the UFC, showing both knockout power and submission skills.

I have to pick Petrino here. He will be much too powerful for Smith and will likely find a knockout finish in this one.

Pick: Petrino O/U: Under 1.5 +160

## Michel Pereira -600 vs. Ihor Potieria +425

Middleweight strikers with flashy styles will go head to head in his electric matchup. Michel Pereira is a wildman with a crazy striking style and big power behind those strikes; he seems to have learned from his early career mistakes against Tristan Connelly and Diego Sanchez and is now on a seven-fight win streak, including two finishes in just over a minute since moving up in weight. Ihor Potieria enters this off a strong showing against Robert Bryczek, where he showed he could strike for three rounds in his debut at this weight class. 

I'll go with Pereira here as I am not sold that Potieria can compete at this level of competition. 

Pick: Pereira O/U: Under 1.5 -165

## Paul Craig +475 vs. Caio Borralho -650

Middleweight grapplers square off in this very intriguing matchup. Paul Craig is a fantastic submission grappler, although his game has always lacked much roundedness, with him struggling whenever he faces other competent grapplers who can shut down his submissions. Caio Borralho is an athletic and explosive athlete with a strong ground game that he has used to shut down all of his UFC competition thus far.

I'm taking Borralho here as I see him having a good enough ground game to control where this fight takes place and dominating either the striking or from top position.

Pick: Borralho O/U: Over 1.5 -200

## Joanderson Brito -164 vs. Jack Shore +144

Featherweights on the rise will clash here. Joanderson Brito is a tank with dangerous finishing ability wherever the fight goes, with his knockout power in his hands and a slick submission game that he used to steal a victory away from Jonathan Pearce in his last fight. Jack Shore is a strong grappler with good control and pace, although he has been outmatched physically before in his fight with Ricky Simon down a weight class.

I've got Brito here, as I see him being too strong for Shore and finding a finish within the first two rounds.

Pick: Brito O/U: Under 1.5 +160

## Karolina Kowalkiewicz +330 vs. Iasmin Lucindo -400

It's a fantastic matchup that puts a veteran against a bright prospect at Strawweight. Karolina Kowalkiewicz has revived her career by entering this matchup on a four-fight win streak, although it has all been against relatively low-level competition without high-level grappling. Iasmin Lucindo is a very young prospect who has shown a tremendous skill set, including a dangerous submission game and strong striking.

I like Lucindo here as she has the skillset and the physical ability to dominate this matchup completly.

Pick: Lucindo O/U: Under 2.5 +170

## Elves Brenner +207 vs. Myktybek Orolbai -242

Lightweights with plenty of fans behind them will go head-to-head in this fun clash. Elves Brenner is an always dangerous action fighter capable of setting a very high pace; he fights out of the Chute Boxe gym with Charles Oliveira, so we know he will be prepared for war. Myktybek Orolbai impressed many with his short-notice domination of Uros Medic, where he showed a high-level wrestling game before securing the submission in round two. 

I'm taking Brenner as the underdog here as he is much more proven at this level, and Orolbai has been caught with big shots before, which could cost him here.

Pick: Brenner O/U: Under 2.5 +105

## Jean Silva -122 vs. William Gomis +102

Featherweights looking to establish themselves as real threats in the division meet in this one. Jean Silva is a patient but powerful striker with good forward pressure, although he is still unproven against UFC-level competition. William Gomis is a tall striker with fast kicks and a decent defensive ground game, but he can struggle to separate himself in close fights.

I lean toward Silva here as I believe he will be doing more damage and will be able to work inside to negate the height disadvantage.

Pick: Silva O/U: Over 2.5 -180

## Joaquim Silva +145 vs. Drakkar Klose -170

Veteran Lightweights matchup in this one. Joaquim Silva is a powerful striker, which he showed against Arman Tsarukyan by hurting him badly; he is not the most durable, having been knocked out three times in his UFC career. Drakkar Klose is a well-rounded guy who has come close to pushing to the top of the division with decent striking and a good ground game, although he is hittable and doesn't react well to big shots. 

I'll pick Silva as the underdog here as I believe he will have the striking edge here and can defend the grappling enough to force some standup where he could find a knockout.

Pick: Silva O/U: Under 1.5 +200

## Mauricio Ruffy -205 vs. Jamie Mullarkey +175

The debut of a Lightweight finisher goes down here against a veteran looking to get back on track. Mauricio Ruffy makes his debut here as a dangerous knockout artist, with all of his fights ending with knockouts or TKOs. Jamie Mullarkey is a high pace striker with good reach, although he has not been able to take damage well throughout his career, having suffered many knockout losses, including two in the last year alone.

I'm taking Ruffy here as he has proven to be a dangerous puncher, and Mullarkey's durability is completely gone.

Pick: Ruffy O/U: Under 1.5 +125

## Ismael Bonfim -550 vs. Vinc Pichel +400

Lightweights who were supposed to meet earlier this year now square off here. Ismael Bonfim is a fast-paced finisher who swings big and hunts the knockout sometimes too much, as he did against Benoit Saint-Denis, where he was over-aggressive and got finished early. Vinc Pichel is a gritty veteran striker returning from a two-year layoff here; he is getting up there in age, which is a massive concern here, especially with the layoff.

I'll pick Bonfim as he is the more dangerous fighter, and the layoff for an older Pichel is a major concern, but this price is out of control, and I have no interest in betting on Bonfim at this price.

Pick: Bonfim O/U: Over 1.5 -250

## Alessandro Costa -130 vs. Kevin Borjas +110

Flyweights get the card started in this fun matchup. Alessandro Costa is a solid striker who showed good submission skills before joining the UFC; he lost a competitive decision to now-title challenger Steve Erceg in his last fight, where he had good moments despite being controlled for the third round, which cost him the fight. Kevin Borjas is a fast-paced brawler who can crack, as he showed by dropping Joshua Van early in his wild UFC debut, where he also showed good cardio and durability. 

I like Borjas here as I give him the finishing upside, with Costa being knocked out several times in his career. I also believe he can win a decision and defend any grappling.

Pick: Borjas O/U: Under 2.5 -120

## [DougLasVegasBets.net](https://douglasvegasbets.net) Plays

Alexandre Pantoja -205

Jose Aldo +100

Joanderson Brito -150 

Elves Brenner +205 

Kevin Borjas +116

Caio Borralho/ Iasmin Lucindo -110

TJ Laramie