Alexandre Pantoja vs Steve Erceg
Prediction: Alexandre Pantoja via Submission (Rd 4 or 5)
Alexandre Pantoja, known for his relentless pressure and versatile fighting style, is one of the top flyweights in the world. His aggressive approach in striking, combined with his high-level Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, makes him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the division. Pantoja's ability to push the pace, whether standing or on the ground, allows him to keep constant pressure on his opponents.
Pantoja's striking is aggressive and varied, with a mix of powerful punches and precise kicks. He is comfortable engaging in close-range exchanges and has a high output, which often overwhelms opponents. His grappling is equally formidable, with a wide array of submissions and a knack for transitioning from striking to grappling seamlessly. Pantoja's high cardio level enables him to maintain this pace throughout the fight, making him a relentless force in the octagon.
Steve Erceg, on the other hand, is an up-and-coming flyweight with a unique mix of striking and grappling. His striking is technical and accurate, with a focus on precision rather than sheer volume. Erceg's grappling skills are also notable, with a background in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that complements his striking. He has demonstrated an ability to control fights on the ground, using his grappling to dominate opponents and secure submissions. His patient approach and ability to find openings make him a challenging opponent to deal with.
In this matchup, Pantoja's aggressive style and relentless pressure could be a key factor in determining the outcome. If he can keep Erceg on the defensive, forcing him to fight at a higher pace than he's used to, Pantoja could find success in both striking and grappling exchanges. His cardio advantage and willingness to engage in high-risk situations could lead to a stoppage victory or a dominant decision win.
Erceg's path to victory would involve using his technical striking to keep Pantoja at bay and avoid getting drawn into chaotic exchanges. If he can control the pace and capitalize on Pantoja's aggression with precise counters, Erceg could create opportunities to take the fight to the ground and implement his grappling game. However, Pantoja's experience and relentless approach could make it challenging for Erceg to maintain control.
Overall, this matchup presents an interesting clash of styles, with Pantoja's pressure and high output against Erceg's more technical and patient approach. The key to victory for Pantoja would be to keep the pressure on and exploit any openings, while Erceg would need to find a way to slow down the pace and control the fight with his technical skills. This fight has the potential to be a high-energy battle with multiple paths to victory for both fighters.
Jonathan Martinez vs Jose Aldo
Prediction: Jose Aldo via Decision
Jonathan Martinez is a dynamic fighter with a varied striking style, including spinning kicks, high kicks, and crisp boxing combinations. However, facing an opponent like Aldo, Martinez's striking creativity could be stifled by Aldo's defensive prowess. Aldo's ability to block or evade kicks with precise timing and footwork is one of his greatest strengths, allowing him to maintain control of the fight's tempo. This skill could be critical in negating Martinez's striking offense.
Aldo's newfound focus on boxing provides him with an additional edge in this matchup. His recent performances have shown a more deliberate approach, relying on sharp jabs, hooks, and combinations to outstrike his opponents. This style could be highly effective against Martinez, who often relies on his range and unpredictability to gain an advantage. If Aldo can maintain his defensive posture and land his boxing combinations, he could disrupt Martinez's rhythm and control the pace of the fight.
Martinez's strategy typically involves using his footwork and creative strikes to keep opponents at a distance, but Aldo's defense could make this approach difficult to execute. Aldo's ability to cut off angles and avoid damage would likely force Martinez into a more defensive position, limiting his opportunities to strike effectively. If Aldo can consistently defend against Martinez's kicks and punches, he could control the fight's range and dictate the exchanges.
In this matchup, Aldo's overall defense and boxing approach could lead him to victory. His experience and fight IQ allow him to adapt to different styles, and his ability to defend against a wide range of strikes could neutralize Martinez's offensive game plan. By using his precise boxing and defensive skills, Aldo could maintain control of the fight, leading to a decision victory or even a late stoppage if he can consistently land his combinations on a frustrated Martinez. This matchup would be a showcase of Aldo's enduring skills and ability to outmaneuver a talented up-and-comer like Martinez.
Paul Craig vs Caio Borralho
Prediction: Caio Borralho via Decision
Craig has a high finish rate, often using his ground game to end fights, and he is not afraid to pull guard or work off his back to find a submission opening.
On the other hand, Caio Borralho is a rising star with a versatile skill set that combines striking and grappling. Borralho has a more rounded approach, focusing on maintaining control and dictating the pace of the fight. His striking is technical, with an emphasis on precision and range management. Borralho's grappling is also a strong point, but he uses it more to control positions and avoid danger rather than to aggressively seek submissions.
In this matchup, Craig's strategy will likely involve bringing the fight to the ground, where he can use his high-level Jiu-Jitsu to find a submission or control Borralho. His ability to work from awkward positions and pull off unexpected submissions makes him a constant threat. However, Craig's striking has been less consistent, and he often relies heavily on his grappling to win fights, which can be a risk against an opponent with Borralho's versatility.
Borralho's key to success lies in his ability to keep the fight standing and avoid Craig's submissions. His striking accuracy and range management could play a significant role in neutralizing Craig's ground game. Borralho's grappling skills, though not as submission-focused as Craig's, can help him defend against takedowns and maintain control if the fight goes to the ground. His discipline in avoiding risky positions and his patience in setting up his attacks make him a challenging opponent for someone as submission-oriented as Craig.
Overall, this fight presents an interesting clash between Craig's high-risk, high-reward submission style and Borralho's more measured, versatile approach. Craig's success will depend on his ability to get the fight to the ground and find a submission, while Borralho's path to victory involves keeping the fight standing and using his striking and grappling control to outmaneuver Craig. Both fighters bring unique skills to the octagon, making this a compelling matchup with multiple possible outcomes.
Anthony Smith vs Vitor Petrino
Prediction: Vitor Petrino via KO
Petrino is an emerging force in the light heavyweight division, known for his explosive striking and knockout potential. He has a forward-moving, aggressive approach, often looking to finish fights with heavy punches and kicks. Petrino's raw power makes him a constant threat, especially in the early rounds, where he can overwhelm opponents who can't handle his intensity.
Anthony Smith, a seasoned veteran, brings a balanced skill set to the octagon, with a strong striking game and a solid grappling base. He is known for his resilience and ability to adapt, but his recent performances have shown signs of wear. Smith's style is methodical, focusing on mixing strikes with takedowns and submissions. However, he has struggled against younger, more aggressive opponents, sometimes finding it hard to keep up with their pace and power.
Petrino's aggressive style could pose significant challenges for Smith. If Petrino can maintain pressure and land his heavy strikes early, he could quickly take control of the fight. Smith's technical approach may not be enough to withstand the raw power that Petrino brings to the cage. Additionally, Petrino's willingness to engage in close-range exchanges could put Smith at a disadvantage, especially if Petrino can land clean shots that disrupt Smith's game plan.
Smith's experience might help him weather the initial storm, but Petrino's relentless pressure and knockout power could eventually break through. Petrino's aggression often leads to quick finishes, and if he can keep Smith on the defensive, he has a clear path to victory. Smith's grappling skills might not be enough to neutralize Petrino's power, especially if Petrino can avoid takedowns and keep the fight standing.
In this matchup, Vitor Petrino's power and aggressive style give him a strong chance of winning. If he can impose his pace and prevent Smith from settling into his rhythm, Petrino could secure a knockout victory or an early stoppage.
Michel Pereira vs Ihor Potieria
Prediction: Michel Pereira via TKO
Since moving up a weight class, Pereira seems to have gained even more power and is less restricted by intense weight cuts. This newfound freedom has allowed him to approach fights with greater energy and aggression, often seeking to end the fight early. Pereira's unorthodox style, combining flying knees, spinning kicks, and acrobatics, makes him a unique and unpredictable opponent.
Ihor Potieria, however, has recently adopted a more calculated and steady approach. His pacing has become more measured, and he no longer rushes into exchanges without a plan. This shift in style has made him more precise when selecting his strikes and less likely to leave himself open to counterattacks. Potieria's newfound discipline in his striking approach suggests that he is evolving into a more well-rounded fighter, focusing on accuracy and avoiding unnecessary risks.
Despite Potieria's improved approach, Pereira's power and aggression give him a significant advantage. Since moving up a weight class, he appears stronger and more explosive, allowing him to take more risks without compromising his stamina. This extra power, combined with Pereira's creativity in striking, can overwhelm opponents early in the fight. Pereira's relentless pace and ability to maintain pressure could make it difficult for Potieria to establish his rhythm and execute his game plan.
One of the risks for Pereira is his aggressive style, which can sometimes leave him vulnerable to counters if he overcommits to his strikes. However, his improved power and freedom to pursue finishes early make him a formidable opponent. If Pereira can maintain control of the fight's pace and avoid getting caught by Potieria's counterattacks, he should be able to secure a victory. His ability to generate power from various angles and his unpredictability can be a decisive factor in this matchup.
Potieria's new steady pace and careful approach are notable, but Pereira's power and creativity should ultimately lead him to victory. The key for Pereira will be to stay composed while using his striking arsenal to pressure Potieria and force him into unfavorable positions. If Pereira can maintain his aggressive style without exposing himself to Potieria's counters, his power and explosiveness should secure him a win, likely through a knockout or an early stoppage. However, Potieria's evolving style and improved accuracy suggest that Pereira should approach this fight with caution, as Potieria's newfound discipline could create opportunities for unexpected outcomes.
Joaquim Silva vs Drakkar Klose
Prediction: Toss Up (Lean Klose)
He has a consistent approach, relying on steady pressure and effective timing to wear down his opponents. Klose's striking often involves a mix of head and body shots, keeping his opponents on their toes and preventing them from settling into a rhythm.
Joaquim Silva, by contrast, is a fighter with raw power in both striking and grappling. He has knockout potential with his punches and can overpower opponents with his strength in clinch and ground scenarios. Silva's ability to end fights with a single strike makes him a dangerous opponent, and his grappling strength gives him an edge in control during takedowns and on the mat. This power advantage could present a challenge for Klose, who may find it difficult to engage in extended grappling exchanges with Silva.
Given this dynamic, Klose's best approach would be to rely on his striking, using his pressure and timing to keep Silva off-balance. Klose's ability to mix up his striking targets—switching between head and body—could be his key to success. This approach would allow him to maintain distance from Silva's grappling strength and avoid getting caught in a power-based exchange. Klose's consistent pressure and striking versatility could help him accumulate points while minimizing the risk of Silva's explosive attacks.
Silva's biggest weapon is his power, whether in striking or grappling. He has the potential to end fights with a single shot, and his strength in the clinch or on the ground can be overwhelming for opponents who cannot match his physicality. Silva's aggressive style and knockout potential mean that Klose must be cautious, especially in the early rounds when Silva is at his most dangerous. If Silva can close the distance and engage in close-range exchanges, he could leverage his strength to turn the fight in his favor.
Alessandro Costa vs Kevin borjas
Prediction: Kevin Borjas via Late TKO
Borjas often mixes up his striking targets, seamlessly transitioning from head to body, keeping opponents off-balance. His striking approach is measured yet effective, using combinations to set up powerful shots that can cause significant damage over time.
Alessandro Costa, on the other hand, is a fighter with considerable power in both striking and grappling. He has a highly aggressive style, often rushing forward with heavy strikes and seeking to impose his will on his opponents. Costa's strength lies in his raw power, whether it's in his punches or his ability to take opponents down with explosive takedowns. However, his aggressive approach can sometimes work against him, as he tends to overcommit without much setup or strategy.
Borjas' consistency in mixing up his targets is key to his success in this fight. His combos often start with calculated strikes to the body, forcing his opponents to drop their guard, followed by swift headshots. This versatility allows Borjas to control the pace of the fight, keeping his opponents guessing where the next strike will land. His composure under pressure and adaptability in striking make him a challenging opponent for someone with a more straightforward, power-centric style like Costa.
One of the weaknesses in Costa's game is his lack of setup for his attacks. He tends to charge in with little head movement, relying solely on power and aggression to break through his opponent's defenses. This aggressive approach leaves him open to counterattacks, especially against a disciplined striker like Borjas. Costa's tendency to overcommit can create openings for Borjas to land clean shots, potentially leading to significant damage or even a knockout.
Ultimately, Kevin Borjas' precision and composure give him a distinct advantage in this fight. His ability to mix up his targets and use combinations effectively, combined with solid takedown defense, allows him to dictate the pace and avoid getting taken down by Costa's powerful grappling. While Costa has the raw power to end a fight, his lack of setup and over-aggressiveness could leave him vulnerable to Borjas' precise striking and counterattacks. Borjas' disciplined approach and striking accuracy suggest that he will be the winner, likely by a decision or even a knockout if Costa leaves himself open to a well-timed shot.
Dione Barbosa vs Erneste Kareckaite
Prediction: Dione Barbosa via Submission
Dione Barbosa is known for her tactical and cautious striking, often using it to set up her preferred grappling game. She rarely overcommits to her strikes, maintaining a composed demeanor that allows her to stay safe while working toward her ultimate goal: getting the fight to the ground.
Erneste Kareckaite, in contrast, is a more aggressive striker, typically relying on her stand-up game to control fights. She possesses a solid striking arsenal with a focus on powerful punches and kicks, aiming to overwhelm opponents with her forward pressure. However, Kareckaite's ground game isn't as developed as her striking, which can leave her vulnerable against skilled grapplers like Barbosa.
Barbosa's cautious striking approach is key to her success. She carefully picks her shots, often using jabs and leg kicks to keep her opponents at bay while waiting for the right moment to shoot for a takedown. This methodical approach helps her avoid unnecessary risks, keeping her out of range of powerful counterstrikes while she sets up her grappling transitions. Barbosa's calculated striking is a means to an end, allowing her to control the pace and dictate where the fight goes.
Once on the ground, Barbosa holds a distinct advantage. Her grappling is highly technical, with an emphasis on control and submissions. She has a variety of takedowns at her disposal, from double-legs to trips, and her top control is formidable. Barbosa's ability to maintain dominant positions and threaten with submissions makes her a dangerous opponent on the mat. If she can get the fight to the ground, Kareckaite could struggle to defend against her versatile grappling attacks.
Given these factors, Dione Barbosa seems poised to secure a victory. Her cautious striking allows her to avoid the danger of Kareckaite's striking power while setting up her grappling game. Once she gets the fight to the ground, her superior control and submission skills could lead to a finish. While Kareckaite might have a chance to land a significant strike in the stand-up exchanges, Barbosa's disciplined approach and grappling prowess suggest that she will eventually find a way to submit Kareckaite, likely earning a submission victory
Joanderson Brito vs Jack Shore
Prediction: Jack Shore via Decision
Brito is a fast starter with explosive power and strong grappling, often seeking to end fights early. His style in the first round is aggressive, where he closes the distance quickly to unleash heavy punches and takedowns. Brito's knockout power is significant, and he's known to push a relentless pace from the opening bell, making him a dangerous threat if he can impose his will early on.
Jack Shore, in contrast, is a methodical and technically sound fighter. His striking flow is smooth, with a focus on precision and volume. Shore's ability to maintain a consistent pace throughout the fight gives him an advantage over opponents who tend to fade as the rounds progress. He has an excellent understanding of distance management, allowing him to avoid heavy shots while picking his own spots to strike. Shore's grappling is also a key aspect of his game, often using it to control the pace and wear down his opponents.
Brito's best chance to win would likely come in the first round when his explosive power and rapid pace are at their peak. He has a knack for closing the distance quickly and landing powerful shots that can turn the fight in his favor. Additionally, Brito's grappling strength is evident in his takedowns and control on the ground, which could be crucial if he can get Shore down early and maintain top position. However, this aggressive style comes with the risk of burning out quickly if the fight goes beyond the first round.
Shore's strategy would likely involve weathering Brito's early storm and then taking control as the fight progresses. His striking flow and grappling skills allow him to adapt to different situations in the cage. Shore's cardio and discipline can play a significant role in this fight, helping him maintain a steady pace while Brito's energy levels drop. His grappling, combined with his striking accuracy, can gradually take over, forcing Brito into a more defensive posture.
Ultimately, Jack Shore's composure and technical skills should lead him to victory. If he can withstand Brito's initial aggression and avoid getting caught by a knockout punch or an early takedown, his striking flow and grappling will likely take over. Shore's ability to maintain control and dictate the pace gives him a clear path to winning, either through a decision or a late stoppage as Brito's energy diminishes. With his disciplined approach and well-rounded skill set, Shore is poised to come out on top in this matchup.
Elves Brenner vs Myktybek Orolbai
Prediction: Myktybek Orolbai via Decion
Orolbai is a wrestler at heart, using his ground control and powerful takedowns to dominate his opponents. His striking has been improving, showcasing more power and precision with each fight, but it's his grappling expertise that sets him apart. Orolbai's wrestling-centric style is built around control, keeping opponents on the mat, and maintaining dominant positions, allowing him to rack up points and neutralize his opponent's offensive capabilities.
Elves Brener, on the other hand, is a fighter known for his aggression and cardio. His striking is dynamic, and he is willing to push the pace, often starting cautiously but ramping up the aggression as the fight progresses. Brener's ability to maintain high output and pressure his opponents can wear them down over time. His cardio is a crucial asset, allowing him to stay active throughout the full 15 minutes and potentially capitalize on his opponent's fatigue later in the fight.
Orolbai's wrestling and ground control will likely be the key to his success in this fight. If he can keep Brener on his back and control him on the ground, it will minimize the risk of Brener's striking power and aggression. Orolbai's style tends to slow the pace and grind out victories, which can be a challenging prospect for a striker like Brener. His improving striking and knockout power could also play a role, especially if he uses them to set up takedowns or to counter Brener's aggressive advances.
However, Brener's increasing aggression as the fight goes on presents a risk for Orolbai. If Brener can maintain a high pace and force Orolbai into extended striking exchanges, he might find openings to land significant shots. Brener's cardio and relentless approach can be difficult for a wrestler who prefers a slower, more controlled fight. If Orolbai struggles to secure takedowns or hold Brener down, he could be at risk of getting caught by Brener's power shots in the later rounds.
In the end, Myktybek Orolbai's wrestling and ground control should be enough to secure him the victory. His ability to dictate the pace and control the fight on the ground can negate Brener's striking advantage. However, he will need to remain cautious as the fight progresses, as Brener's increased aggression and cardio can create dangerous moments. Orolbai's improving striking and power could play a role, but it's his grappling skills that will be his path to victory, allowing him to cruise to a decision win
Jean Silva vs William Gomis
Prediction: William Gomis via Decision
William Gomis, known for his striking and speed, also possesses an overlooked grappling strength that can significantly impact the fight. Gomis' striking is crisp and explosive, allowing him to dictate the pace and keep his opponents guessing. His ability to mix in takedowns and use his grappling defensively provides an edge over fighters who rely heavily on striking.
Jean Silva, a powerful striker with an aggressive style, typically dominates fights by pressing forward and applying constant pressure. His style is akin to being the hammer, always looking to crush opponents with high-impact strikes. However, this fight could test Silva's adaptability as he's up against a highly skilled opponent in Gomis, who is not only quicker but also tactically adept. Silva has rarely been on the receiving end of sustained pressure, making this a significant challenge for him.
One of Gomis' most valuable assets is his flawless defensive footwork. His ability to move laterally and avoid danger when being pressured is a critical component of his game. This footwork allows him to stay out of range while setting up his counters, giving him a strategic advantage against fighters like Silva, who tend to charge forward with power shots. Gomis' agility and reflexes help him control the fight's tempo, making it difficult for Silva to land clean shots.
Gomis' grappling strength is another often-overlooked aspect of his game. He can seamlessly transition from striking to grappling, providing an added layer of complexity for Silva to navigate. If Silva relies solely on his forward pressure and striking power, he may find himself vulnerable to Gomis' takedowns and control on the ground. This ability to mix striking and grappling makes Gomis a versatile opponent, capable of adapting to various situations in the fight.
Considering these factors, William Gomis has the edge over Jean Silva. His speed, defensive footwork, and grappling strength allow him to dictate the fight's pace and avoid Silva's heavy strikes. Silva, who is accustomed to being the aggressor, may struggle with Gomis' speed and movement, and his inability to adapt could lead to Gomis taking control of the fight. Ultimately, Gomis' versatility and ability to control the tempo suggest he will be the winner, potentially through a dominant decision or a stoppage due to his superior skill set and ability to avoid danger.
Karolina Kowalkiewicz vs Iasmin Lucindo
Prediction: Iasmin Lucindo via Late TKO OR Decision
Lucindo's skills, combining timing, accuracy, and cardio, are key to why she has the advantage in this matchup. Iasmin Lucindo is known for her precise striking and excellent counter-attacking abilities. Her timing is impeccable, allowing her to anticipate her opponent's moves and respond with sharp counters. Lucindo's striking is crisp, with a focus on efficiency, which often results in a high accuracy rate during exchanges.
Karolina Kowalkiewicz, on the other hand, is a former title contender with a solid kickboxing background. She is known for her aggressive style, aiming to outwork her opponents with high-volume striking. While she has had impressive performances in the past, one of Kowalkiewicz's recurring issues is her tendency to keep her head on the center line during exchanges, which makes her susceptible to counters. Her footwork, while steady, can be linear, limiting her movement against agile opponents like Lucindo.
Lucindo's ability to absorb shots and remain unfazed gives her a significant advantage in this fight. She has demonstrated resilience in her previous fights, taking heavy shots without it affecting her pace or technique. This composure allows her to maintain control during exchanges, even when under pressure, and gives her the confidence to stand and trade without worrying about being overwhelmed. Lucindo's resilience can be demoralizing for an opponent who relies on wearing down opponents with volume striking, as Kowalkiewicz often does.
Cardio is another area where Lucindo shines. Her pace is relentless, and she can maintain it throughout the full 15 minutes of a fight. This constant pressure could be challenging for Kowalkiewicz, who relies on consistent output to dominate her opponents. If Lucindo can keep the fight at her preferred pace, her cardio advantage will likely become more pronounced as the rounds progress. This consistent pressure, combined with Lucindo's counter-striking, could create significant problems for Kowalkiewicz, especially if she can't match Lucindo's movement or continues to keep her head on the center line.
Given these factors, Iasmin Lucindo appears to have the upper hand. Her ability to absorb shots, impeccable timing, and accuracy with counters, combined with her exceptional cardio, suggest that she can dictate the pace and capitalize on Kowalkiewicz's defensive vulnerabilities. If Kowalkiewicz cannot adapt to Lucindo's pressure and movement, it could lead to a clear victory for Lucindo, potentially through a dominant decision or even a late stoppage due to accumulated damage.
Mauricio Ruffy vs Jamie Mullarkey
Prediction: Mauricio Ruffy via TKO
Jamie Mullarkey is a seasoned mixed martial artist with a versatile toolkit, combining strong striking and solid wrestling. His style is aggressive, characterized by relentless pressure and high output. Mullarkey's striking typically involves crisp combinations, mixing up head and body shots, while his grappling allows him to control opponents on the ground, leading to dominant positions or ground-and-pound scenarios.
Mauricio Ruffy, by contrast, is a rising talent with explosive striking and a natural sense of timing. His striking is flashy yet precise, and he has a knack for capitalizing on opponents' mistakes. Although less experienced than Mullarkey, Ruffy has demonstrated an ability to adapt quickly and find unexpected angles for his strikes. His striking tends to be dynamic, with a variety of spinning attacks and creative combinations. Ruffy's unpredictability can be his biggest asset against a technically sound opponent like Mullarkey.
The key to Mullarkey's strategy would be to maintain consistent pressure, forcing Ruffy to defend against both his striking and his grappling. Mullarkey's experience gives him an edge in dictating the pace and controlling where the fight takes place. If he can keep Ruffy on his back foot or against the cage, he should be able to minimize the risk of unexpected strikes. Mullarkey's ability to blend striking with takedowns could also play a significant role in negating Ruffy's explosiveness.
However, there are moments when Mullarkey gets caught "taking pictures," essentially pausing after a combination or a successful exchange to admire his work. These brief lapses can create openings for a fighter like Ruffy, who has impeccable timing and can quickly close the distance. If Mullarkey doesn't maintain consistent focus and allows these moments of complacency, Ruffy could capitalize with a well-timed counterstrike or an unexpected attack. Given Ruffy's striking speed and creativity, these windows could become turning points in the fight.
Ultimately, despite Mullarkey's technical advantage, the risk of these "taking pictures" moments could lead to a TKO loss. Ruffy's ability to catch opponents off guard and his knack for finishing fights when given the chance make him a dangerous underdog. If Mullarkey loses focus or leaves gaps in his defense, Ruffy's timing could catch up to him, resulting in a fight-ending sequence that leads to a TKO victory for Mauricio Ruffy.
Ismael Bonfim vs Vinc Pinchel
Prediction: Ismael Bonfim via Decision
Ismael Bonfim brings a fluid and creative striking style to the octagon. He reads his opponents well, finding openings for his sharp combinations and unpredictable strikes. His ability to switch between different striking ranges and techniques makes him hard to predict. Bonfim's grappling, while less talked about, is quite effective; he can prevent takedowns and reverse positions, thanks to his quick reflexes and excellent takedown defense.
In this matchup, Pichel would likely aim to use his wrestling to control the pace and keep the fight on the ground. However, Bonfim's immediate reactions to his opponents' moves give him a distinct advantage. He can avoid getting taken down by using his agility and quick footwork, making it difficult for Pichel to implement his game plan effectively. This skill allows him to maintain a striking distance, where he can use his fluid combinations to inflict damage on Pichel.
As the fight progresses, Bonfim's striking flow and adaptability become even more apparent. He can respond to Pichel's attempts to close the distance or initiate a clinch, often turning defense into offense. His precise striking and ability to maintain control of the fight's rhythm could lead to a late stoppage or a convincing decision victory. Pichel, despite his toughness, might find it hard to keep pace with Bonfim's versatility and constant movement.