The UFC has been extremely busy over the last week, announcing several new bouts for upcoming fight cards. One of those cards is UFC 236, which takes place April 13 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. Check out my ideas on the primary event between Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier here, and also my thoughts on the other newly-announced bouts are below.
Eryk Anders vs. Khalil Rountree, UFC 236
Added to UFC 236 is an intriguing light heavyweight bout between Eryk Anders and Khalil Rountree. Anders (11-3) is only 3-3 in the UFC and is coming off of a decision loss to Elias Theodorou. He’s chosen to make the move up to light heavyweight permanently rather than cutting all that weight should help him. Rountree (7-3, 1 NC) is currently 3-3, 1 NC in the UFC and is coming from a KO loss to Johnny Walker. While Rountree has more expertise battling as a light heavyweight and is a known knockout artist, I believe in Anders and think he has more potential than what he is shown in the UFC so far. The opening line should be near a Select Celtics, however my ancient lean is towards Anders.
Paige VanZant vs. Poliana Botelho, UFC 236
Women’s flyweights Paige VanZant and Poliana Botelho will battle at this event. VanZant (8-4) is currently 5-3 in the UFC and is coming from a submission win over Rachael Ostovich. Botelho (7-2) is 2-1 at the UFC but lost by entry to Cynthia Calvillo in her final fight. I would definitely prefer VanZant for the win here and predicated on her fame I would not be surprised if the line was massively skewed in her favor.
Wilson Reis vs. Alexandre Pantoja, UFC 236
At a rare flyweight struggle, Wilson Reis takes on Alexandre Pantoja. Reis (23-9) is 7-5 at the UFC and conquered Ben Nguyen by decision in his final bout. Pantoja (20-3) is currently 4-1 in the UFC and is coming off of two straight wins over Brandon Moreno and Ulka Sasaki. Reis is a solid veteran but all of the upside here is using Pantoja and I expect him to be a tiny favorite at open. Expect the failure of this fight to be published as the UFC cuts almost every flyweight coming from a loss.
Ovince Saint-Preux vs. Nikita Krylov, UFC 236
In a rematch no one asked , Ovince Saint-Preux takes on Nikita Krylov in a light heavyweight bout. St-Preux (23-12) is 11-7 in the UFC and is coming from a decision loss to Dominick Reyes. He is a gatekeeper in 205lbs and is no longer a true title contender. Krylov (24-6) is 6-4 at the UFC and has been submitted by Jan Blachowicz in his last bout. OSP and Krylov formerly fulfilled at UFC 171 at 2014, with OSP winning by entry. I am not exactly certain why the UFC felt this rematch was necessary, but given how their first battle went and how bad Krylov’s entry defense is, I’d prefer OSP to overcome him once again.
Montel Jackson vs. Andre Soukhamthath, UFC 236
And lastly, bantamweights Montel Jackson and Andre Soukhamthath meet. Jackson (7-1) lost a decision to Ricky Simon in his UFC debut but bounced back nicely with a submission win over Brian Kelleher. Soukhamthath (13-6) is just 2-3 in the UFC but beat Jonathan Martinez by choice in his final fight. Soukhamthath is too inconsistent to trust, and I expect Jackson to be preferred here.
Disclaimer: This page includes affiliate links and MMA Odds Breaker will be paid if you make a purchase after clicking on the hyperlinks.
Read more: centralsportsnews.com