Elite fixed predictions top
185 lbs.: Ronaldo Souza.
Andre Muniz, ronaldo Souza (26-9) who turned 41 this in Dec.2020 now finds himself just 2-5 in his last seven fights.His current three-fight losing streak includes a split decision loss to future Light Heavyweight champ Jan Blachowicz and a wild knockout defeat against Kevin Holland ( watch it ).He gives up six inches of reach to Sergipano.Though it took him two tries, the efforts from Andre Muniz (20-4) on Contender Series culminated in a UFC contract thanks to a 106-second submission of highly touted Taylor Johnson.Hes been similarly successful in the Octagon itself, most recently tapping Bartosz Fabinski with a bonus-winning arm bar in Sept.
Thirteen of his professional victories have come via submission.Its become clear that Souza cant handle elite or semi-elite fighters anymore, but the jurys out on whether he can handle middle-of-the-pack guys like Muniz.This may be nostalgia talking, but he should still be able to handle a straightforward grappling specialist, especially when his power gives him a considerable edge on the feet.If Muniz were the sort of ultra-active, swarming ground artist that could sap Souzas questionable gas tank, this would be the coffin nail for Jacares career.As is, Souzas superior wrestling and heavy right hand should get him back in the win column.
Prediction: Souza via unanimous decision 125 lbs.: Matt Schnell.Rogerio Bontorin, matt Schnell (15-5) went from losing his first two Octagon bouts to winning five of his next six and earning a post-fight bonus along the way.He was last seen in Jan.2021, ending a year-long layoff with a split decision over Tyson Nam.He stands three inches taller than Rogerio Bontorin (16-3) and sports.5-inch reach advantage.
Bontorin followed his successful Contender Series bout with a massive upset of Magomed Bibulatov and wild cut stoppage of Raulian Paiva, punching his ticket into Flyweight contention.Hes since dropped a decision to an overweight Ray Borg and suffered a comeback knockout loss to Kai Kara-France.
